GENERIC NAME: FOSAMPRENAVIR - ORAL (fos-am-PREN-uh-veer)

BRAND NAME(S): Lexiva

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: Fosamprenavir is a protease inhibitor type of antiviral medication. It is used in combination with other drugs to treat human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). Once in the body, fosamprenavir is converted into amprenavir. The medication works by slowing the growth of the virus. This drug is not a cure for HIV and does not prevent the passing of HIV to others.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once or twice daily with or without food. Fosamprenavir is usually taken once a day in patients who have never taken protease inhibitors to treat HIV before. If you have taken other protease inhibitors in the past, this medication should be taken twice a day. If you are not sure if you have taken other protease inhibitors in the past or if you have any questions about how often to take this medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Because fosamprenavir is converted by the body into amprenavir, you should not take this drug if you are already taking amprenavir. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If you take antacids or didanosine, take them at least one hour before or after taking fosamprenavir. Taking antacids or didanosine at the same time as fosamprenavir decreases the amount of amprenavir (active form of this drug) in your bloodstream. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) unless directed to do so by your doctor. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist and ask questions if any of the information is unclear.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, and stomach/abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: skin rash. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual increase in thirst or urination, mental/mood changes, numbness or tingling of hands or feet. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: severe rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.