University of Washington
Drug Information Sheet
|
Nelfinavir |
Other Names: NFV, Viracept®
Manufacturer: Agouron, Inc.
What is it?
Nelfinavir
belongs to a group of drugs known as protease inhibitors. It is used to treat
HIV, a retrovirus. Retroviruses use the
genetic material in the body’s cells to produce more virus which can infect
other cells.
How does it work?
Nelfinavir
interferes with the life cycle of HIV to stop it from producing more virus.
Specifically, nelfinavir ties up the protease enzyme, which slows the
production of new virus to prevent other cells from becoming infected.
How do I take it?
·
Nelfinavir
is available as 250 mg tablets.
·
The
dose varies but can be 750 mg (three 250 mg tablets) three times daily or 1250
mg (five 250 mg tablets) twice daily.
·
Nelfinavir
must be taken within 2 hours of a light meal or snack to increase
absorption of the medication into the bloodstream.
It is extremely important that you take
nelfinavir and your other antiretroviral medications exactly as directed. You should set up a system that will help
you remember to take your medicines so that you do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as
possible; however, if you skip a dose, do not take two doses at once. Do not stop taking the medication for any
reason at any time unless you are directed to do so by your study
clinician. If you are unable to continue taking your medication due to side
effects, you should contact your study clinician immediately.
Special Considerations
·
Nelfinavir
should be stored at controlled room temperature in a dry place, out of reach of
children.
Interactions
Some drugs taken together may have interactions that
cause illness or impair the effectiveness of the drugs. Nelfinavir has a number of serious drug
interactions. You need to be familiar
with the names of medications that you are taking and compare them to the
medications listed below. Make sure that everyone who is prescribing
or dispensing medications to you knows that you are taking nelfinavir.
Nelfinavir should not
be taken with any of the following medications:
Inform
your study clinician if you are taking any of the following medications:
If
you are taking oral contraceptives with nelfinavir, an alternate form of birth
control should be used.
Not
everyone experiences side effects. When
they do occur, they may be mild, moderate or severe. Some side effects cannot be felt by the patient but can be found
through laboratory tests, so it is important to see your study clinician
regularly for checkups so that side effects can be detected early and treated.
The
most common side effect of nelfinavir is diarrhea. Diarrhea can usually be controlled with an
over-the-counter drug called loperamide (Immodium®). Other side effects that may occur include
abdominal pain, nausea, gas pain, or rash.
Rarely,
nelfinavir may cause a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, or a
change in liver function. These side
effects can be detected and monitored with laboratory tests.
Increases in blood sugar or
the development of diabetes has been reported in a small number of patients taking protease
inhibitors. Symptoms of this include
increased thirst or hunger, weight loss, increased need to urinate, fatigue, or
dry, itchy skin. Please contact your
study clinician if any of these side effects occur.
Also,
a condition called lipodystrophy (abnormal
use of fats in the body) has been reported in patients taking protease
inhibitors. Symptoms vary among
individuals, but they may include accumulation of fat tissue in the stomach
area or the upper back, and a loss of mass in other areas of the body. Some people have experienced increases in
cholesterol and triglycerides that have required the use of lipid lowering
medications.
Last
Updated: 7/15/99