Viracept

Pronounced: VYE-ruh-sept
Generic name: Nelfinavir mesylate

Why is Viracept prescribed?

Viracept is one of the drugs prescribed to fight HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Once inside the body, HIV spreads through certain key cells in the immune system, weakening the body's ability to fight off other infections. Viracept works by interfering with an important step in the virus's reproductive cycle. This slows the spread of the virus and prolongs the strength of the immune system.

Viracept belongs to the new class of drugs that has successfully reversed the course of HIV infection in many people. Called protease inhibitors, these drugs work better when used in combination with other HIV medications called nucleoside analogues (Retrovir, Hivid, and others) which act against the virus in other ways.

Most important fact about Viracept

Although Viracept can keep HIV at bay, it is not a complete cure. If you stop taking the drug, the infection will re-emerge and progress to AIDS, leaving you vulnerable to a host of opportunistic infections (rare infections that develop only when the immune system falters, such as certain types of pneumonia, tuberculosis, and fungal infections). It's imperative, therefore, that you continue to see your doctor regularly and keep all your follow-up appointments.

How should you take Viracept?

Take Viracept every day, exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking it or change the dose without first consulting your doctor.

To achieve higher blood levels of the drug, always take Viracept with a meal or light snack.

If your child is taking Viracept oral powder, mix it with a small amount of water, milk, formula, soy formula, soy milk, or a liquid nutritional product such as Ensure, Sustacal, or Advera, then use within 6 hours. Make sure the child drinks the entire dose. Do not mix the powder with apple juice, applesauce, or orange juice; these combinations will taste bitter.