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MEDICATION FACT SHEET/FEUILLET DE RENSEIGNEMENTS |
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TIPRANAVIR Other NAMES: PNU-140690 WHY is this drug prescribed? Tipranavir is an investigational antiretroviral (anti-HIV) drug that belongs to a class of drugs called protease inhibitors. Protease inhibitors interfere with a different step in virus reproduction than other classes of drugs previously available to fight HIV. Tipranavir is used together with other antiretrovirals to delay the progression of HIV infection. By doing this, your immune system should improve (increase in CD4+ count) and you will be better protected against infections. Tipranavir does not cure AIDS or completely kill the HIV virus, but helps to prevent further damage by slowing down the production of new viruses. Treatment with tipranavir does not reduce the risk of passing infection on to others. You will still be able to pass HIV by sexual contact, by blood transfer or by sharing needles. You should always use appropriate precautions to prevent passing HIV on to others. HOW should this drug be taken? Through clinical studies, tipranavir is available as 250 mg soft-gel capsules or 300 mg hard-gel capsules. The recommended dose of tipranavir may vary from one clinical study to the next. It is given twice daily with or without food. However, it may be preferable to take it with food to decrease the risk of developing nausea or vomiting. It is usually given in combination with 100 to 200 mg of ritonavir (Norvir® SEC) twice daily. Your dosage is: 250 mg soft-gel capsule 300 mg hard-gel capsule ____capsules(_____mg) ____times a day Capsules should be swallowed unchewed, with water or some other non-alcoholic drink. You should avoid excessive consumption of alcohol during your treatment. What should you do if you FORGET a dose? If you miss a dose of tipranavir, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is time for your next dose, do not double the dose, just carry on with your regular schedule. Why should you not forget to take this drug? If you miss doses of tipranavir, the amount of HIV virus in your blood (known as the viral load) will start increasing again and your immune system will be further damaged. A few missed doses can be enough for tipranavir to stop being active. A phenomenon known as resistance. When this happens, other antiretrovirals that work in a similar way as tipranavir may also become inactive. Therefore, missing doses of tipranavir can decrease treatment options for the future. Even if you do not feel well, you should always take your doses of tipranavir. Please do not stop tipranavir without talking to your doctor first. What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause? What should you do about them? The most commonly reported adverse effects are mild to moderate in severity. These include feeling weak/tired, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and cramping, abdominal gas, headache, or dizziness. If these effects occur and bother you, please call the clinic or discuss them at your next visit. Regular blood tests will be done to detect any changes in your liver or pancreas function. Also, your doctor will look for increases in your cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar level. The long-term effects of tipranavir are unknown at this time. Further studies are being carried out. Abnormal weight gain or changes in body shape have been reported with other protease inhibitors. It is uncertain if tipranavir will cause these changes. It is important that you keep your doctor appointments and come for your laboratory tests so that your progress can be followed. What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug? You must make sure that you are taking the right dose. If you take higher doses of tipranavir than what is prescribed, you may increase the chance of having adverse effects. If you take lower doses of tipranavir than what is prescribed, the HIV virus may become resistant to tipranavir. Certain drugs can increase or decrease the effect of tipranavir. Also, tipranavir might influence the effect of other drugs you are taking. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all prescribed and non-prescribed drugs you are taking. As well, you should inform them of natural products you are taking. If you wish to start a new drug or natural product, please consult with your pharmacist before doing so. The following drugs should NOT be taken with tipranavir:
Please inform your physician or pharmacist if you are taking any of the above drugs so that an alternative drug may be selected. Tipranavir should not be taken at the same time as didanosine (Videx®) or antacids such as TUMS®, Rolaids®, Maalox®, etc. If you need to take these drugs, take them 1 hour before or 2 hours after tipranavir. It is unknown if tipranavir may impact the efficacy of birth control pills or other hormones used to prevent becoming pregnant. A second method of contraception should always be used. In general, even if you are not taking tipranavir, the use of condoms is always recommended to decrease the risk of passing HIV on to others. The safety of tipranavir has not been established during pregnancy. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment to help reduce the risk of passing the HIV virus on to your baby. Breastfeeding is NOT recommended if you have HIV as you can transmit the virus to your baby through your breast milk. How should this drug be STORED? Tipranavir capsules should be stored in their original container in a cool (2 - 8°C) dry place, protected from light and well out of the reach of children. Ensure that the drug has not expired by checking the expiry date (“EXP”) shown on the outside of the package. Do not store where there is heat and moisture (for example, in the bathroom or near the stove) as the drug may become less active and the soft gel capsules may stick together. If you have any questions or concerns about this drug or if you are experiencing adverse effects, please discuss them with your pharmacist, doctor or nurse. Write questions or concerns down to ensure they are addressed. The following pharmacist is available to answer questions: Pharmacist: __________________ Telephone: __________________ Reference: Drugdex drug evaluations Tipranavir. Thompson Micromedex® Health Care Services, Vol 115, 2003. Prepared by the Ontario HIV Pharmacy Professional Specialty Group, 2003. Additional medication fact sheets and updates may be found at: www.tthhivclinic.com |
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