NELFINAVIR

OTHER NAMES- Viracept

WHY THIS MEDICATION IS GIVEN
Nelfinavir is used for the treatment of HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS. Nelfinavir will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease. Nelfinavir will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medication may continue to have the problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Make sure your doctor knows if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Alcoholism (history of) or liver disease - Patients with these medical problems may have an increased chance of side effects

• Hemophilia - Patients with Type A and Type B hemophilia may have a greater risk of bleeding problems. You may need to take additional Factor VIII.

• Ketoconazole (Nizoral), rifabutin (Mycobutin), or rifampin (Rifadin) - These medications interfere with the breakdown of indinavir, and therefore you may need a lower dose.
• Astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), midazolam (Versed), terfenadine (Seldane), or triazolam (Halcion) - Taking indinavir while taking any of these medications may significantly increase your risk of serious or life threatening side effects.
• Birth Control Pills - Nelfinavir may cause a decrease in the amount of birth control medication in your body, so you should use additional methods of birth control.
• DDI (Videx)- Since DDI is taken on an empty stomach and nelfinavir is taken with food, your doctor may need to adjust the times you take your medications.

HOW TO TAKE
Nelfinavir is usually taken three times a day, but take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Keep taking nelfinavir for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without checking with you doctor first. It is recommended that you take nelfinavir with a meal or light snack. Nelfinavir oral powder may be mixed with water, milk, soy formula, soy milk or a dietary supplement (eg: Ensure). Do not mix the powder into an acidic food or juice because the combination results in a bitter taste. Any mixture should be used within 6 hours.

WHERE TO KEEP
Keep it in the bottle it came in and store it in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed. Keep the bottle out of reach of children.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
The most common side effect of nelfinavir is diarrhea. If it is bothersome, it can be treated with an over-the-counter medication such as loperamide (Imodium AD).

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