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Viracept |
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What is Viracept and why is it prescribed? Viracept is one of the drugs prescribed to fight HIV. Viracept works by interfering with an important step in the virus's reproductive cycle. This slows the spread of the virus and prolongs the strength of the immune system. Viracept belongs to the new class of drugs that has successfully reversed the course of HIV infection in many people. Called protease inhibitors, these drugs work better when used in combination with other HIV medications called nucleoside analogues which act against the virus in other ways. Although Viracept can keep HIV at bay, it is not a complete cure. It is imperative that you continue to see your doctor regularly and keep all your follow-up appointments. How should you take Viracept? Follow your doctors directions for taking Viracept. Take Viracept every day, exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking it or change the dose without first consulting your doctor. To achieve higher blood levels of the drug, always take Viracept with a meal or light snack. If your child is taking Viracept oral powder, mix it with a small amount of water, milk, formula, soy formula, soy milk, or a liquid nutritional product such as Ensure, Sustacal, or Advera, then use within 6 hours. Make sure the child drinks the entire dose. Do not mix the powder with apple juice, applesauce, or orange juice. These combinations will taste bitter. If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never double the dose. Both tablets and powder may be stored at room temperature. Doses of the powder mixed with liquid may be kept for up to 6 hours under refrigeration. Are there any Viracept side effects? Viracept side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The most frequent side effect associated with Viracept is diarrhea. If it develops, it can be controlled with over-the-counter medications such as Imodium A-D. More common Viracept side effects may include abdominal pain, gas, loss of strength, nausea, and skin rash. Less common Viracept side effects may include allergic reaction, arthritis, anxiety, back pain, blood disorders, dehydration, depression, difficulty breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, emotional problems, eye problems, fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, hepatitis, hives, increased or decreased blood sugar, indigestion, itching, joint pain, kidney problems, loss of appetite, migraine, mouth ulcers, muscle pain or cramps, muscle weakness or disorders, nasal and sinus congestion, overactivity, pain, seizures, sexual dysfunction, skin rash, skin tingling or numbness, sleep problems, sore throat, stomach and intestinal bleeding, stomach pain, suicidal thoughts, sweating, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Viracept? If Viracept 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. Do not take Viracept with any of the following medications: Amiodarone (Cordarone), Ergot derivatives (such as Cafergot, D.H.E., and Migranal), Lovastatin (Mevacor), Midazolam (Versed), Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), Simvastatin (Zocor), or Triazolam (Halcion). The combination could cause serious or even life-threatening problems. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Viracept with Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), Indinavir (Crixivan), Oral contraceptives, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Rifabutin (Mycobutin), Ritonavir (Norvir), Saquinavir (Invirase), Sildenafil (Viagra), or Tacrolimus (Prograf). Are there any special warnings about Viracept? Although Viracept reduces the amount of HIV in the blood, its long-term effect on survival is still unknown. If you have been using oral contraceptives, you'll need to take other measures. Viracept dramatically reduces the effectiveness of the Pill. Viracept may trigger diabetes or make existing diabetes worse. If this occurs, you may have to start taking insulin or oral diabetes medication, or have your present dosage adjusted. People with hemophilia type A and B may experience increased bleeding. If this happens, alert your doctor immediately. Make sure, too, that your doctor is aware of any liver problems you may have. Viracept oral powder contains phenylalanine. If your child has the hereditary disease known as phenylketonuria, do not give the powder form. |
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