Nelfinavir is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Nelfinavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Nelfinavir is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old.
Nelfinavir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Nelfinavir (Viracept) used for?
- HIV Infection
- Nonoccupational Exposure
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Nelfinavir (Viracept)?
You should not use nelfinavir if you are allergic to it, or if you have moderate or severe liver disease.
Some drugs should not be used with nelfinavir. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:
- 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.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- diabetes; or
- a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.
Nelfinavir oral powder contains phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
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.
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Side Effects
What are the side effects of Nelfinavir (Viracept)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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.
Nelfinavir can affect your immune system (even weeks or months after you've used this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have:
- 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.
Common side effects may include:
- 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).
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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Nelfinavir (Viracept) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
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.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Nelfinavir (Viracept)?
Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Ask your doctor how to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Nelfinavir (Viracept)?
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.
Take with food.
Swallow the nelfinavir tablet whole.
If you cannot swallow a whole tablet, 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.
Mix the oral powder 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.
Drink all of the mixed powder 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.
Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Use all HIV medications as directed. Do not change your dose or stop using a medicine without your doctor's advice. Remain under the care of a doctor.
You will need frequent medical tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Nelfinavir (Viracept)?
(800) 222-1222
911
Images
VIRACEPT, 250 mg
Color: blue
Shape: oblong
Form: film coated
Imprint: VIRACEPT, 250 mg
V, 625
Color: white
Shape: oval
Form: film coated
Imprint: V, 625