Viracept

(Nelfinavir Mesylate)

The active ingredient in Viracept is nelfinavir. Viracept (nelfinavir) works as an HIV protease inhibitor (HIV-1 protease). It blocks the HIV protease enzyme, which is required to cleave viral polyproteins into functional proteins. When this enzyme is inhibited, newly formed virus particles remain immature and non-infectious, which reduces HIV replication and lowers viral load when used in combination with other antiretroviral medicines.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Viracept. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Viracept:

• Viracept is taken by mouth with food to improve absorption.
• It is available as tablets and as an oral powder for patients who cannot swallow tablets.
• Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed unless directed by your healthcare provider.
• The oral powder may be mixed with a small amount of water, milk, or acidic food as directed.
• Take the entire dose right after mixing the oral powder.
• Take Viracept at the same time each day to maintain steady plasma concentrations.
• Do not skip doses, as missed doses may lead to reduced effectiveness and viral resistance.

Some mild or common side effects of Viracept seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Diarrhea.
• Nausea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Fatigue.
• Headache.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Viracept. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe allergic reaction with hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• High blood sugar or hyperglycemia may cause increased thirst or frequent urination.
• Liver problems, including changes in liver enzyme levels.
• Severe skin reactions.
• Increased bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia.
• Changes in blood cell counts, including leukopenia.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Viracept. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Viracept, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Liver disease or abnormal liver function tests.
• Diabetes or a history of high blood sugar.
• Hemophilia or other bleeding disorders.
• High cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
• A weakened immune system or other chronic medical conditions.
• Routine blood tests are required to monitor liver enzymes, blood sugar, and overall treatment response.

Viracept should not be used in patients who:

• Have had a serious allergic reaction to nelfinavir or any ingredient in the formulation.
• Are taking certain medicines that can cause life-threatening reactions due to drug interactions

Your healthcare provider will review all medications before starting treatment.

Viracept begins working shortly after treatment starts. A decrease in viral load may be seen within weeks, but full treatment benefits may take several months. Results vary depending on adherence, baseline viral load, immune status, and use with other antiretroviral agents.

When Viracept is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Simvastatin, atorvastatin, or lovastatin may increase the risk of muscle toxicity.
• Sildenafil may have increased plasma concentrations and side effects.
• Triazolam or midazolam may cause excessive sedation or respiratory depression.
• Rifampin may reduce nelfinavir levels and decrease effectiveness.
• St. John’s wort.
• Carbamazepine.
• Rifabutin.
• Ritonavir.
• Zidovudine.
• Pimozide or quinidine may cause serious heart rhythm problems.
• Amiodarone or methylergonovine may increase the risk of toxicity.
• Dihydroergotamine or other ergot medicines.

Viracept is available as:

250 mg tablets.

Oral powder formulation for pediatric and adult use when tablets cannot be swallowed.

Dosing depends on your years of age, body weight, and whether Viracept is used alone or with other antiretroviral medicines.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.

The oral powder may be mixed with a small amount of water, milk, formula, soy formula, soy milk, or dietary supplements; once mixed, the entire contents must be consumed in order to obtain the full dose.

It should be stored at room temperature, away from the reach of children or pets.

Viracept was originally manufactured by Agouron Pharmaceuticals.

Yes. Generic nelfinavir is available.

Do not stop taking Viracept without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping treatment suddenly may lead to increased viral load and reduced treatment effectiveness. If Viracept needs to be stopped due to side effects or treatment changes, your healthcare provider will guide you on the next steps.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. Viracept may be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Your healthcare provider will monitor both maternal health and viral load closely.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is not recommended for people with HIV infection because the virus can be passed to the baby through breast milk.