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An Overview of Viracept (Nelfinavir)March 9, 2011 nel-FIN-a-veer
Viracept Nelfinavir, also known as Viracept, is a type of medicine called a protease inhibitor (PI). Nelfinavir works by blocking protease, an enzyme that HIV needs to make more copies of itself. During the normal HIV life cycle, an HIV enzyme called protease cuts long chains of HIV proteins into smaller proteins. As the smaller HIV proteins come together, a new virus particle is assembled. When nelfinavir is present, however, it binds to the HIV protease enzyme. This process prevents the protease enzyme from working, thereby preventing the formation of mature virus particles. Indications and UsageNelfinavir was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 14, 1997, for use with other antiretroviral agents in the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children 2 years of age or older. It is also used for the prevention of HIV infection in individuals who have been exposed to the virus. In June 2007, high levels of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), a chemical used during the making of nelfinavir, were detected in European-made nelfinavir by the European manufacturer Roche Ltd. The U.S. manufacturer Pfizer released a statement in September 2007 to inform doctors that some amounts of EMS have been detected in nelfinavir manufactured in the United States. EMS may cause cancer in humans; in animals, EMS has caused birth defects and cancer. Effective March 31, 2008, Pfizer and FDA agreed upon a limit for EMS and agreed that nelfinavir is now safe for use in all patient populations including pregnant females and children. Nelfinavir does not cure HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people. Dosage Form/AdministrationAlways take this medication as your doctor instructs. Nelfinavir is taken by mouth, with food (or with a meal), and it always must be taken with other anti-HIV medications. Dosage forms and strengths:
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. In case of emergency/overdose: In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. What other information should I know?
Recommended Daily DoseFDA Dosing Recommendations for Adults
FDA Dosing Recommendations for Pediatric Patients (2 to 13 years of age)
Note:
What should I do if I forget a dose? ContraindicationsWhat special precautions should I follow? Before taking nelfinavir,
Possible Side EffectsNelfinavir may cause side effects. The following life-threatening or severe side effects have been reported. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
Some side effects can be serious. The following side effects have occurred:
Other less serious side effects have also been reported:
Nelfinavir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the U.S. FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or by phone at 1-800-332-1088. Drug InteractionsNelfinavir may interact with other medicines. Before taking nelfinavir, it is important to tell your doctor about any prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. The use of certain medicines with nelfinavir can cause life-threatening problems. Do not take nelfinavir if you are taking any of the following medicines:
Other medicines that should not be used with nelfinavir include the following:
Medicines that may require dose adjustments or other considerations when taken with nelfinavir:
In addition to the lists above, there are many other medicines that may interact with nelfinavir. For a complete list of all medicines that may interact with nelfinavir, talk with your doctor or pharmacist and check the manufacturer's website for the full prescribing information. What special dietary instructions should I follow? Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. Nelfinavir should be taken with food. Clinical TrialsClick here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Nelfinavir. Manufacturer InformationNelfinavir Viracept  This article was provided by AIDSinfo.
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