Amprenavir
 
What is Amprenavir and why is it prescribed?
Amprenavir is one of the many drugs now used to combat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Amprenavir 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. Amprenavir is prescribed only as part of a "drug cocktail" that attacks the virus on several fronts. It is not used alone. Amprenavir is not a cure for HIV infection or AIDS. There is still a danger of developing serious opportunistic infections. It's important, therefore, 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 Amprenavir?
Follow your doctors directions for taking Amprenavir. With the exception of high-fat meals, Amprenavir 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 Amprenavir exactly as prescribed. Do not substitute Amprenavir 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 Amprenavir. 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 Amprenavir side effects?
Amprenavir side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Amprenavir side effects may include abdominal discomfort or pain, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, headache, nausea, skin rash, vomiting, and mouth tingling. Less common Amprenavir 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 Amprenavir?
If Amprenavir 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, Amprenavir 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 Amprenavir 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 Amprenavir 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 Amprenavir. Combining Amprenavir oral solution with Norvir oral solution is not recommended. And while taking Amprenavir oral solution, it's best to avoid drinking alcohol. Be cautious, too, about combining Amprenavir 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 Amprenavir. Here is a list of the major possibilities: 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 Amprenavir?
Remember that Amprenavir does not completely eliminate HIV. Amprenavir can interfere with oral contraceptives. Use a backup form of birth control to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Amprenavir 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. Amprenavir is already fortified with vitamin E. One serious potential side effect of Amprenavir 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. Amprenavir 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. Amprenavir can also increase cholesterol levels, possibly resulting in the need for treatment. Like other protease inhibitors, Amprenavir may also lead to a redistribution of body fat. Amprenavir 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.
 

Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor.
 

Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved.