Question 1

What is Nelfinavir (Viracept) used for?

Accepted Answer

HIV Infection
Nonoccupational Exposure

Question 2

What is the most important information I should know about Nelfinavir (Viracept)?

Accepted Answer

You should not use nelfinavir if you are allergic to it, or if you have moderate or severe liver disease.

To prevent HIV in a newborn baby, use all medications to control your infection during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry.

Nelfinavir can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. Use barrier birth control to prevent pregnancy: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.

Women with HIV should not breastfeed. The virus can pass to your baby in your breast milk.

Some drugs should not be used with nelfinavir. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Nelfinavir contains phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). oral powder

alfuzosin;
cisapride;
rifampin;
sildenafil (Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension);
St. John's wort;
amiodarone or quinidine;
lovastatin or simvastatin;
lurasidone, pimozide;
oral midazolam, or triazolam; or
ergot medicine--dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine.

liver disease;
kidney disease;
diabetes; or
a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.

alfuzosin;
cisapride;
rifampin;
sildenafil (Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension);
St. John's wort;
amiodarone or quinidine;
lovastatin or simvastatin;
lurasidone, pimozide;
oral midazolam, or triazolam; or
ergot medicine--dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine.

liver disease;
kidney disease;
diabetes; or
a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.

Question 3

Can I take Nelfinavir (Viracept) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

To prevent HIV in a newborn baby, use all medications to control your infection during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry. Nelfinavir can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. Use barrier birth control to prevent pregnancy: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. Women with HIV should not breastfeed. The virus can pass to your baby in your breast milk.

Question 4

How to take Nelfinavir (Viracept)?

Accepted Answer

Use Nelfinavir (Viracept) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Swallow the nelfinavir tablet whole. Mix the in a cup with a small amount of water, milk, baby formula, soy milk, or a liquid dietary supplement. To avoid bitter taste, do not mix the powder with acidic liquids such as orange juice, apple juice, or applesauce. oral powder Drink all of the mixed right away. If a child taking this medicine doesn't finish the entire dose, you may store the mixture in a refrigerator for up to 6 hours. powder Use all HIV medications as directed. Remain under the care of a doctor. Do not change your dose or stop using a medicine without your doctor's advice. You will need frequent medical tests. Take with food. If you cannot swallow a whole , dissolve it in a small amount of water. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Add a little more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away. tablet Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Question 5

What happens if I overdose on Nelfinavir (Viracept)?

Accepted Answer

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed Nelfinavir (Viracept) call your doctor or the Poison Control center '800-222-1222','(800) 222-1222','Poison Control' If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Diclofenac (Voltaren), call 911

Question 6

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Nelfinavir (Viracept)?

Accepted Answer

Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Ask your doctor how to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe.

Question 7

What are the side effects of Nelfinavir (Viracept)?

Accepted Answer

Get emergency medical help if you have hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction: Call your doctor at once if you have:

low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough;
high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
if you have hemophilia--easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.

signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or
swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.

low white blood cell counts;
nausea, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain;
loss of appetite;
rash; or
changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

Nelfinavir can affect your immune system (even weeks or months after you've used this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have: Common side effects may include: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.