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Fortovase |
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What is Fortovase and why is it prescribed? Fortovase is used in the treatment of advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Fortovase belongs to a class of HIV drugs called protease inhibitors, which work by interfering with an important step in the virus's reproductive cycle. Fortovase is used in combination with other HIV drugs called nucleoside analogues (Retrovir or Hivid, for example). The combination produces an increase in the immune system's vital CD4 cells and reduces the amount of virus in the bloodstream. Fortovase will not cure an HIV infection. You will continue to face the possibility of complications, including opportunistic infections. Therefore, it is important that you remain under the care of a doctor and keep all your follow-up appointments. How should you take Fortovase? Follow your doctors directions for taking Fortovase. Do not share Fortovase with anyone and do not exceed your recommended dosage. Take Fortovase with a meal or within 2 hours afterwards. This allows the drug to be properly absorbed by your body. Your doctor will perform laboratory tests before you start therapy with Fortovase and at regular intervals during your therapy to see how you are reacting to the medication. If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take a double dose. Store Fortovase in the refrigerator in a tightly closed bottle. The capsules should be used within 3 months if they've been allowed to reach room temperature. Are there any Fortovase side effects? Fortovase side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Possible Fortovase side effects may include abdominal discomfort and pain, appetite disturbance, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, gas, headache, indigestion, mouth sores, muscle and bone pain, nausea, numbness in the arms and legs, tingling or "pins and needles" sensation, vomiting, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Fortovase? If Fortovase 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. Protease inhibitors such as Fortovase tend to raise blood levels of the cholesterol drugs known as "statins," increasing the chance of dangerous side effects. Do not combine Fortovase with Mevacor or Zocor. Be cautious when combining it with Lipitor. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Fortovase with Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Certain migraine drugs (including D.H.E. 45 injection, Cafergot, Ergostat, and Migranal Nasal Spray), Clarithromycin (Biaxin), Delavirdine (Rescriptor), Dexamethasone (Decadron), Indinavir (Crixivan), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Midazolam (Versed), Nelfinavir (Viracept), Nevirapine (Viramune), Phenobarbital (Donnatal), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Rifabutin (Mycobutin), Rifampin (Rifadin), Ritonavir (Norvir), Sildenafil (Viagra), St. John's wort, or Triazolam (Halcion). Are there any special warnings about Fortovase? Fortovase may increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, be sure to let the doctor know. Your dosage of diabetes medication may need adjustment. Fortovase may aggravate liver problems and should be used with caution if you have such liver disorders as hepatitis or cirrhosis. It may also cause bleeding in people with hemophilia type A or B. Patients taking protease inhibitors such as Fortovase sometimes undergo a redistribution of body fat, gaining weight around the waist, developing a pad of fat on the upper back, and losing weight in the arms and legs. The long-term health effects of these changes are still unknown. Fortovase does not reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Although the HIV drug Invirase contains the same active ingredient found in Fortovase, the two are not interchangeable. Fortovase is the preferred form of the drug. Invirase is recommended for use only in rare combinations with other HIV drugs. |
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