Abbott Confirms Long-Term Commitment to HIV Care with the Planned Development of New Formulations (y 3)

        
        - Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil for impotence (erectile
          dysfunction). The dose and/or frequency of use of these medicines may
          need to be reduced to avoid hypotension and prolonged erection. People
          must not take Norvir with sildenafil if they suffer from pulmonary
          arterial hypertension.
        - Digoxin (heart medicine). Their doctor may need to adjust the
          dose of digoxin and monitor them while they are taking digoxin and
          Norvir in order to avoid heart problems.
        - Hormonal contraceptives containing ethinyl oestradiol as Norvir
          may reduce the effectiveness of these medicines. It is recommended that
          a condom or other non-hormonal method of contraception is used instead.
          Women may also notice irregular uterine bleeding if they are taking this
          type of hormonal contraceptive with Norvir.
        - Atorvastatin or rosuvastatin (for high cholesterol) as Norvir
          may raise the blood levels of these medicines. People must talk to their
          doctor before taking any cholesterol-reducing medicines with Norvir.
        - Steriods (eg dexamethasone, fluticasone propionate,
          prednisolone) as Norvir may raise the blood levels of these medicines
          which may lead to Cushing's syndrome (development of a rounded face) and
          reduce production of the hormone cortisol. The doctor may wish to reduce
          the steroid dose or monitor side effects more closely.
        - Trazodone (a medicine for depression) as, unwanted effects like
          nausea, dizziness, low blood pressure and fainting can occur when taken
          with Norvir.
        - Rifampicin and saquinavir (used for tuberculosis and HIV,
          respectively) as serious liver damage can occur when taken with Norvir.

It is not known if Norvir passes into breast milk. To avoid transmitting the infection, mothers with HIV should not breast feed their babies.

Norvir is not recommended in children below 2 years of age.

Very common side effects of Norvir are stomach ache, vomiting, diarrheoa, feeling sick (nausea), headache, a tingling sensation or numbness in the hands, feet or around the lips or mouth, feeling weak/tired, and a bad taste in the mouth.

For more information about Norvir, the local Summary of Product Characteristics should be consulted.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's website at http://www.abbott.com.

CONTACT: International Media, Dirk van Eeden, +1-847-938-8848, orFinancial, Larry Peepo, +1-847-935-6722