Viracept ratings & reviews

Viracept contains the active ingredient nelfinavir mesylate, which is a protease inhibitor for HIV-1. It is available as oral tablets in 250 mg and 625 mg strengths, and as an oral powder at 50 mg/g. The tablets include inactive ingredients such as calcium silicate and magnesium stearate, while the powder contains microcrystalline cellulose and maltodextrin. Viracept is intended to limit the spread of HIV in the body.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it with food. If you cannot swallow the tablets whole, you can dissolve them in water. Put the tablets in a small amount of water. Stir until the tablets dissolve and drink all the mixture immediately. Rinse the glass and drink the rinse to get the full dose. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses can make the HIV virus resistant to this and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer wanted or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substances. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Hemophilia
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to nelfinavir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Amiodarone
• Cisapride
• Eplerenone
• Lovastatin
• Lurasidone
• Medications for headaches, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• Midazolam
• Omeprazole
• Pimozide
• Quinidine
• Ranolazine
• Red yeast rice
• Rifampin
• Rifapentine
• Simvastatin
• St. John's Wort
• Triazolam

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Azithromycin
• Cyclosporine
• Dofetilide
• Estrogen and progestin hormones
• Fluticasone
• Medications for cholesterol, such as atorvastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastin
• Medications for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil
• Medications for seizures
• Methadone
• Other medications for HIV
• Rifabutin
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus
• Trazodone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need to have important blood work done while taking this medication.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV.

Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. If you are using these hormones for contraception, talk to your care team about using a second type of contraception. A barrier contraceptive, such as a condom or diaphragm, is recommended.

This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.