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Aptivus
Aptivus is an anti-HIV medicine called a protease inhibitor. Aptivus reduces the amount of the HIV virus in the patient’s body. The HIV virus uses proteins to duplicate itself, and protease inhibitors block the protease protein so the virus can’t infect more cells.
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, and AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The mean life expectancy for people with full-blown AIDS is four years.
Aptivus does have serious side effects, like bleeding inside the brain. In fact, the FDA released a “black box” warning in 2006 that highlighted special concerns about the drug, including brain bleeding and liver problems. Fourteen cases had been reported, eight of which resulted in death. Specifically, patients taking Aptivus should not be using the drug Norvir.
Those most at risk for bleeding in the brain, or intracranial hemorrhage, are patients who use Aptivus and who have other medical conditions like:
- blood clotting disorders
- high blood pressure
- are recovering from recent surgery or trauma
- abuse alcohol
- problems with their central nervous system
Intracranial hemorrhage can be fatal, and can seriously damage brain tissue because of the pressure build-up. Because Aptivus can cause liver problems, the liver should be tested before and while taking Aptivus.
Serious symptoms include:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- flu-like symptoms
- jaundiced skin
- skin rash
- anemia
- discolored stools
- headache
- heartburn
- discolored urine
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, and then call a personal injury attorney.
Tags: AIDS, AIDS virus, aptivus, HIV, protease inhibitor, virus