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Agenerase |
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What is Agenerase and why is it prescribed? Agenerase is one of the many drugs now used to combat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Agenerase slows the progress of HIV by interfering with an important step in the virus's reproductive cycle. The drug is a member of the group of "protease inhibitors" famous for having successfully halted the advance of the virus in many HIV-positive individuals. Agenerase is prescribed only as part of a "drug cocktail" that attacks the virus on several fronts. It is not used alone. Agenerase is not a cure for HIV infection or AIDS. It does not completely eliminate HIV from the body or totally restore the immune system. It's important to continue seeing your doctor for regular blood counts and tests. And notify your doctor immediately of any changes in your general health. How should you take Agenerase? Follow your doctors directions for taking Agenerase. With the exception of high-fat meals, Agenerase may be taken with or without food. It is important to keep adequate levels of the drug in your bloodstream at all times, so be sure to take Agenerase exactly as prescribed, even when you are feeling better. Do not substitute Agenerase oral solution for the capsules. The two are not interchangeable. If you are also taking antacids or the HIV drug didanosine (Videx), be sure to allow at least 1 hour between a dose of either medicine and a dose of Agenerase. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Both the capsules and the oral solution can be stored at room temperature. Do not refrigerate the oral solution. Are there any Agenerase side effects? Agenerase side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Agenerase side effects may include abdominal discomfort or pain, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, headache, nausea, skin rash, vomiting, and mouth tingling. Less common Agenerase side effects may include depression, diabetes, fat redistribution, high cholesterol, taste disorder, and tingling or prickling skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Agenerase? If Agenerase is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Be sure to check with your doctor about the medicines and herbal remedies that should not be taken with this drug. Due to the danger of life-threatening side effects, Agenerase should never be combined with dihydroergotamine (Migranal), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Ergostat), methylergonovine (Methergine), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), or triazolam (Halcion). Serious or life-threatening side effects can also occur when Agenerase is taken with amiodarone (Cordarone), lidocaine, lovastatin (Mevacor), quinidine (Quinidex), simvastatin (Zocor), or tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil. If you are taking both Agenerase and the HIV drug ritonavir (Norvir), you must be careful to avoid the heart medications flecainide (Tambocor) and propafenone (Rythmol). Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater) and St. John's Wort should be avoided because they combat the antiviral effects of Agenerase. Combining Agenerase oral solution with Norvir oral solution is not recommended. And while taking Agenerase oral solution, it's best to avoid drinking alcohol. Be cautious, too, about combining Agenerase and Viagra. The combination increases the risk of Viagra-related side effects such as low blood pressure, changes in vision, and persistent painful erection. A variety of other drugs may also interact with Agenerase including: Abacavir (Ziagen), Amiodarone (Cordarone), Antacids (such as Maalox and Mylanta), Antidepressants classified as "tricyclics" (such as Elavil, Pamelor, and Tofranil), Benzodiazepine drugs used to treat anxiety (including Dalmane, Tranxene, Valium, and Xanax), Calcium Channel Blockers (including Adalat, Calan, Cardene, Cardizem, Dilacor, DynaCirc, Nimotop, Norvasc, Plendil, Procardia, Sular, and Vascor), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Cholesterol-Lowering Agents (such as Lipitor, Mevacor, and Zocor), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Clarithromycin (Biaxin), Clozapine (Clozaril), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune; Neoral), Dapsone, Delavirdine (Rescriptor), Dexamethasone (Decadron), Didanosine (Videx), Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45 Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray), Disulfiram (Antabuse), Efavirenz (Sustiva), Ergonovine (Ergotrate), Ergotamine (Ergostat), Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab), Indinavir (Crixivan), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Lidocaine, Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), Loratadine (Claritin), Methylergonovine (Methergine), Metronidazole (Flagyl), Midazolam (Versed), Nelfinavir (Viracept), Nevirapine (Viramune), Oral contraceptives, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Pimozide (Orap), Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), Rapamycin (Rapamune), Rifabutin (Mycobutin), Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), Ritonavir (Norvir), St. John's Wort, Saquinavir (Invirase), Sildenafil (Viagra), Tacrolimus (Prograf), Triazolam (Halcion), Warfarin (Coumadin), or Zidovudine (Retrovir). Are there any special warnings about Agenerase? Agenerase does not completely eliminate HIV, and that it is still possible to pass the virus to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Agenerase can interfere with oral contraceptives. Use a backup form of birth control to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Agenerase must be used with caution if you have kidney or liver problems. If you have such a disorder, make sure your doctor is aware of it. Do not take vitamin E supplements with this drug. Agenerase is already fortified with vitamin E. One serious potential side effect of Agenerase is a rash that occasionally becomes so severe as to be life-threatening. If you notice any signs of rash, inform your doctor immediately. If the rash gets worse or is accompanied by fever, blisters, mouth sores, red eyes, swelling, or flu-like symptoms, stop taking the drug and call your doctor. Agenerase may trigger diabetes or make it worse. If this occurs, you may have to start taking insulin or oral diabetes drugs, or have your dosage of these medications adjusted. Agenerase can also increase cholesterol levels, possibly resulting in the need for treatment. Like other protease inhibitors, Agenerase may also lead to a redistribution of body fat. Agenerase belongs to the sulfonamide family of drugs. If you have an allergy to other sulfa drugs, such as Bactrim or Septra, be sure to tell your doctor. |
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