Taking it

The standard dose of tipranavir (Aptivus) is 500mg plus 200mg ritonavir (Norvir) twice a day. This is equivalent to two 250mg capsules of tipranavir and two ritonavir capsules twice a day. Tipranavir cannot be combined with any other protease inhibitors.

Tipranavir should be taken with food to improve absorption. The concentration of tipranavir in the blood is increased twofold when the drug is taken with a high-fat meal.1

An oral solution of tipranavir is also available for use in adults who cannot swallow capsules.

The formulation of tipranavir used in early trials produced low concentrations of the drug. It was subsequently replaced by a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) formulation. However, average plasma concentrations of tipranavir remained mediocre, so investigators turned to concurrent dosing with low-dose ritonavir, which boosts blood concentrations of tipranavir.

References

  1. Baldwin JR et al. Effects of food and antacid on bioavailability of the protease inhibitor PNU-140690 in healthy volunteers. Fifth Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Chicago, abstract 649, 1998
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.