Some medications may make ritonavir less effective. Not everyone has side effects. When they do occur, they may be mild, moderate, or severe. Some side effects cannot be felt by the patient, but can be found through laboratory tests, so it is important to see the doctor regularly for checkups. The most common side effects of ritonavir treatment are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Some people report that food tastes different.
Numbness or tingling around the mouth is also common. Some people taking protease inhibitors have had problems with their blood sugar levels, or have developed diabetes. Symptoms, such as increased thirst, hunger, urination, or weight loss should be reported to the doctor immediately. Some people with hemophilia type A or B have reported increased bleeding problems. It is not known whether this is related to ritonavir, but these problems should be reported to the doctor immediately so they can be treated.