An Overview of Lexiva (Fosamprenavir, Telzir)

FOS-am-pren-a-veer

Brand Name: Lexiva
Other Name(s): Fosamprenavir calcium, GW 433908, GW433908, Telzir, VX 175, f-APV
Drug Class: Protease Inhibitors

Fosamprenavir, also known as Lexiva, is a type of medicine called a protease inhibitor (PI). PIs work by blocking protease, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses

Fosamprenavir in tablet form was approved by the FDA on October 20, 2003, for use with other antiretroviral agents in the treatment of HIV infection. Fosamprenavir in oral suspension form was approved by the FDA on June 14, 2007, for use in HIV infected children 2 to 18 years old. On April 27, 2012, new dosing recommendations for the use of fosamprenavir oral suspension in pediatric patients aged at least 4 weeks to 18 years was approved.

This medicine does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people. Fosamprenavir is a prodrug of amprenavir (Agenerase). The body converts fosamprenavir into amprenavir. Because fosamprenavir is more soluble in water than amprenavir, individuals can take fewer pills and still achieve the same results as with amprenavir.

Dosage Form/Administration

Fosamprenavir comes in tablet and suspension form and is taken by mouth.

Recommended Daily Dose

The recommended dose of fosamprenavir depends on whether an individual has been treated for HIV before or if this is part of the first anti-HIV drug combination for the individual. For adults on their first anti-HIV drug combination, there are three ways to dose fosamprenavir: 1) 1,400 mg twice daily without ritonavir, 2) 1,400 mg once daily plus ritonavir 200 mg once daily, or 3) 700 mg twice daily plus ritonavir 100 mg twice daily. For adults who have already taken anti-HIV drugs, the recommended dose of fosamprenavir is 700 mg twice daily plus ritonavir 100 mg twice daily.

Doses for pediatric patients aged at least 4 weeks to 18 years should be calculated based on body weight (kg) and should not exceed the adult dose. It is not known if fosamprenavir is safe and effective in children less than 4 weeks of age. If your child is taking fosamprenavir, your child’s healthcare provider will decide the right dose based on your child’s weight. Children should take fosamprenavir oral suspension with food. If your child vomits within 30 minutes after taking a dose of fosamprenavir, the dose should be repeated.

Individuals with any degree of liver problems may need lower doses of fosamprenavir and ritonavir. Some other individuals also may benefit from different doses of fosamprenavir and ritonavir. Individuals should always take fosamprenavir and ritonavir as prescribed by their doctors.

Contraindications

Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems, including drug allergies, before taking this medicine. Fosamprenavir should not be used if you are taking certain other medicines. Before starting fosamprenavir, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking.

Possible Side Effects

Along with its desired effects, fosamprenavir can cause some serious unwanted effects, including severe rash. A doctor should be notified right away if an individual taking fosamprenavir develops a severe rash. Other serious side effects of this medicine include changes in body fat, increased risk of heart attack, high cholesterol, increased bleeding in individuals with hemophilia, high sugar levels in the blood, and onset or worsening of diabetes. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include depression, diarrhea, mild skin rash, nausea, numbness of the hands or feet, numbness of the mouth or lips, stomach pain, unusual sense of taste, unusual tiredness, mood changes, and vomiting. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions

A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials

Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Fosamprenavir.

Manufacturer Information

Fosamprenavir
GlaxoSmithKline
5 Moore Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: 888-825-5249

Fosamprenavir
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
130 Waverly Street
Cambridge, MA 02139-4242
Phone: 617-577-6000
Fax: 617-577-6680

Lexiva
GlaxoSmithKline
5 Moore Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: 888-825-5249