News Release

1996-51
June 28, 1996

Ritonavir theft

Ottawa - The possible theft of 224 bottles (84 capsules each) of the unapproved AIDS drug ritonavir has been reported by Abbott, a Montreal manufacturer of the drug.

This drug can have life-threatening side effects if taken with certain prescription or non-prescription drugs such as, but not limited to, astemizole (Hismanal), meperidine (Demerol), piroxicam (Feldene), and diazepam (Valium). For this reason, it is extremely dangerous to use ritonavir outside clinical trials or without proper medical supervision.

We advise that patients who may have access to ritonavir outside approved clinical trials to contact their physicians. We also advise the physicians who may have knowledge of such use to contact the manufacturer as soon as possible.

Ritonavir is a new HIV protease inhibitor which is sold under the trade name NORVIR in the U.S. The potentially stolen drugs are 100 mg. white capsules imprinted with the Abbott logo and the word "Abbo-Cod PI."

Information:

Dr. Bouchard (819) 561-7814, June 28, 29
Dr. Gillespie (613) 820-4563 June 30 - July 1