Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: NELFINAVIR TABLETS - ORAL (nell-FIN-uh-veer)
BRAND NAME(S): Viracept
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication belongs to a class of drugs called protease inhibitors and is used, in combination with other drugs, to treat HIV infection.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food to increase the amount of medicine that your body absorbs. 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. It is critical to take this medication every day exactly as prescribed. Do not interrupt treatment nor take more than prescribed by your doctor. Tablets may be swallowed whole, crushed and mixed with food, or dissolved in water. Once mixed with food or dissolved in water, use the entire contents immediately. Take exactly as directed. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
SIDE EFFECTS: The majority of side effects are mild. Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness or gas might occur. If these continue or are bothersome, notify your doctor. Unlikely but report: persistent sore throat, rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, vision problems, unusual fatigue, increased urination or thirst. 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. Very unlikely but report immediately any allergic reaction while taking this medication. Symptoms include: difficulty breathing, itching, fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Read about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes, symptoms, signs, treatment, prevention, transmission, facts, testing, research (vaccine), statistics and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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