Viracept Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (nell-FIN-uh-veer)
Viracept Oral Uses
This drug is used in combination with other medications to help control your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It also lowers your risk of getting HIV complications (e.g., new infections, cancer). Nelfinavir belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors.
Nelfinavir is not a cure for HIV and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (e.g., sharing used needles).
This medication has been shown to contain an impurity (EMS - ethyl methanesulfonate) which has been shown to cause cancer and birth defects in animals. Because it is unknown if there is a risk of cancer or birth defects in humans from EMS, nelfinavir should only be used in patients for whom the potential benefits outweigh the potential risk. Risks may be greater in children and pregnant women. If you are currently taking nelfinavir as part of your HIV treatment, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Do not stop taking nelfinavir without first talking to your doctor.
How To Use Viracept Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using nelfinavir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with a high-fat food, usually 2-3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are using other drugs that should be taken on an empty stomach (e.g., didanosine), then those drugs should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking nelfinavir. Consult your pharmacist for more details.
The dosage is based on your weight, liver function, medical condition, other medications, and response to therapy.
It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
