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Side Effects of Ritonavir

Ritonavir is a prescription medication that is used for the management of HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus. The medicine can be used alone or alongside other types of HIV medications. It is not a cure for the infection but aims to enhance the lives of individuals who have HIV and decrease their chances of getting complications from the illness. As with any medication, there are possible side effects that could occur from taking Ritonavir.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • Common side effects of Ritonavir are unusual sensations of the skin surrounding the fingers, toes, and mouth, stomachache, body fat changes, changes in taste, weight loss, weakness, diarrhea, headache and throwing up. These side effects are generally considered to be minor, since they tend to go away as the body gets used to the Ritonavir. However, if the side effects worsen or persist for a while, medical attention might be necessary.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Serious side effects are also possible due to Ritonavir. These potentially dangerous side effects of the medication include pancreas inflammation, which manifests itself with symptoms such as extreme stomachache, nausea, and throwing up; gradual drowsiness; chills; fever; sore throat; darker colored urine; passing out; flushed face; raised blood sugar levels, with symptoms such as excessive urination, thirst, and hunger; extreme or lingering dizziness; yellowing of the eyes or of the skin; abnormal bleeding or bruising; abnormal weakness or fatigue; pale stools; consciousness loss; and irregular heartbeat. In cases of serious side effects, individuals must immediately get medical assistance.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Allergic reactions are also considered to be possibly harmful side effects of Ritonavir. In situations of allergic reaction, it is crucial to get medical help as soon as possible. Some signs of allergic reaction to Ritonavir are having a hard time breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the tongue, lips, face, and mouth, skin rash, itchiness, and breaking out into hives.

    Caution

    • It is vital to exercise caution when considering whether to take Ritonavir. Individuals must discuss their medical histories with their doctors, particularly if they have hemophilia. Ritonavir could raise the blood's sugar levels. Other diseases to discuss before taking Ritonavir include diabetes mellitus because the medication could increase the chances of bleeding, liver disease because the medication could have stronger effects due to slower elimination out of the body or any other liver-related issues.

    Drug Interactions

    • Drug interactions can happen when more than one medication is taken at the same time. Drug interactions can lead to decreased or increased effectiveness of one or more of the medicines that are involved, as well as possible negative side effects. Some drugs that could lead to interactions with Ritonavir are astemizole, pimozide, alfuzosin, voriconazole, propafenone, bepridil, flecainide, cisapride, amiodarone, midazolam, terfenadine, quinidine, and ergot medications, such as methylergonovine and ergotamine.

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