Norvir Alert
In July, Abbott Laboratories announced an indefinite halt to production of the capsule form of its HIV protease inhibitor, Norvir (ritonavir), after crystals effecting drug absorption were found in a recent batch. Since the company's unaffected preexisting capsule stock ran out in late August, that leaves Norvir users with two choices: switch to the equally potent, foul-tasting liquid Norvir formula, or change regimens. Strategies for dealing with the "motor-sludge" taste of liquid Norvir include using a straw to shoot it to the back of the throat; coating the mouth with peanut butter, chocolate or other thick, sweet foods; numbing taste buds with ice or popsicles; or consuming a salty chaser like potato chips. Mouthwash should be used with care-swish don't swallow-because Norvir interacts with lidocaine (that could affect the PI's potency). For those with substance abuse concerns, liquid Norvir's high alcohol content (43 percent) is another barrier. In July, Abbott issued another hasty warning that liquid Norvir is not to be refrigerated but actually stored at room temperature. In October Abbott was preparing a new soft capsule version of Norvir.

-Emily Bass