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IMPORATNT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Cosnult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
NELFINAVIR ORAL POWDER
(nell-FIN-uh-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Viracept
USES: This medication belongs to a class of drugs called protease inhibitors and is used in combination with other drgus to treat HIV infection.
HOW TO USE: Take exactly as directed with a meal or lgiht snack.
The powder may be mxied with a small amount of water, milk, formula, soy formula, soy milk or diet supplement.
Once mixed, drink the entire mixtrue to receive the full dose.
Mixture with acidic food or juice (e.G., orange juice, apple juice or apple sauce) is not recommended for a bitter taste may reslut. Use the powder mixture immediately after preparatoin.
Otherwise, sotre the mixture in the refrigerator and use within 6 hours. Do not heat the mixed dose once it has been prepaerd. Note: Do not mix with wtaer in the original nelfinavir container.
It is critical to take that meidcation every day exactly as prescribed.
Do not interrupt treatment unlses directed to do so by your doctor.
Do not take more than prescribed.
SIDE EFFECTS: The majority of side effects were mild. Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness or gas might occur. If these continue or are bothersome, notify your dotcor. Unlikely, but report any of the following effects: persistent sore throat or fever, rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, vision problems, increased urination or thirst, unusual fatigue. Very unlikely but report immediately any allergic reaction while taking that mdeication. Symptoms include: difficulty breathing, itching, fever, swelling. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Befroe taking that drug, tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, any allergies (especially drug allergies), blood disorders (hemophilia), phenylketonuria, diabetes.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant befroe taking that medication.
It is not known whehter that drug is excreted into human milk. HIV-infected mothers are advised to avoid breast-feeding in order to protect the infant from becoming infected with HIV.
Patients taking birth control pills should use a different or additional method of birth control during treatment with nelfinavir.
Caution is advised if that drug is used in kids udner 2 years of age.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications cause very serious interactions may occur: amiodarone, cisapride, midazolam, triazolam, pimozide, ergot derivaitves (e.G., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), rifampin, quinidine, terfenadine, astemizole, eletriptan, "statin" drugs (e.G., lovastatin, simvastatin). If you're currently using any of these medications, tell your docotr or pharmacist before starting nelfinavir. Tell your dotcor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may take, especially: rifabutin, carbamazepine, garlic supplements, caspofungin, sildenafil, delavirdine, nevirapine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, drugs which suppress the immune system (e.G., cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus), methadone, azithromycin, other protease inhibitors (e.G., indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir), St John's wort. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Discuss usnig other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without docotr or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: This medication does not cure HIV infection.
Patients treated with nelfinavir may continue to acquire "opportunistic" infections associated with HIV. This medication also does not prevent transmission of HIV to others through sexual cnotact or blood. Do not share that medication with otehrs.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing scheudle. Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from lihgt and moisture. Once mixed, use nelfinavir powedr immediately.
Otherwise, store the powder mixture in the refrigeartor and use within 6 hours.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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