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Archive for the ‘antiviral agents’ Category

Famvir

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Famvir

Generic Name: famciclovir (fam SYE klo veer)

What is Famvir?

Famvir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Famvir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infections.

Famvir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.

Important information about Famvir

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Treatment with Famvir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Famvir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Before taking Famvir

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to penciclovir (Denavir). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease;

galactose intolerance;

severe lactase deficiency; or

glucose-galactose malabsorption.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Famvir.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Famvir passes into breast milk, or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Famvir?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Treatment with Famvir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medication to keep your kidneys working properly.

Famvir can be taken with or without food. Taking Famvir with food may decrease stomach upset.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Famvir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Famvir overdose are unknown.

What should I avoid while taking Famvir?

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Famvir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Famvir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Famvir side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

headache;

diarrhea,

dizziness, sleepiness;

mild itching or skin rash; or

confusion.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Famvir?

Before taking Famvir, tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid (Benemid). If you are using probenecid, you may not be able to use Famvir, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Famvir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

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Valtrex

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Valtrex

Generic Name: valacyclovir (val a SYE kloe veer)

What is Valtrex?

Valtrex is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valtrex will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Valtrex is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses in adults and children. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox.

Valtrex is used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years old, and to treat chickenpox in children who are at least 2 years old.

Valtrex may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Valtrex

Before taking Valtrex, tell your doctor if you have HIV/AIDS, a weak immune system, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), or if you have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant.

Valtrex can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when it is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using. You may need dose adjustments or special tests when taking certain medications together with Valtrex.

Treatment with Valtrex should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.

Valtrex will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people even while you are taking with Valtrex.

Stop taking Valtrex and call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a serious side effect that can harm red blood cells, such as: fever, easy bruising or bleeding, red spots on the skin (not related to herpes or chickenpox), bloody diarrhea, vomiting, pale or yellowed skin, weakness, fainting, or urinating less than usual or not at all.

Do not give Valtrex to a child unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.

Before taking Valtrex

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking Valtrex, tell your doctor if you have:

HIV/AIDS, or other conditions that can weaken the immune system;

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or

if you have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant.

How should I take Valtrex?

Take Valtrex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Treatment with Valtrex should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). This medication might not be as effective if you first start taking it 1 or 2 days after the start of your symptoms.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking Valtrex to keep your kidneys working properly. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Valtrex can be taken with or without food.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Valtrex will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store Valtrex tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store Valtrex liquid in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused Valtrex that is older than 28 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include urinating less than usual or not at all.

What should I avoid while taking Valtrex?

Valtrex will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people even while you are taking with Valtrex.

Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Valtrex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking Valtrex and call your doctor right away if you have any of the following signs of a serious side effect that can harm red blood cells:

fever, easy bruising or bleeding;

red spots on the skin (not related to herpes or chickenpox);

bloody diarrhea, vomiting;

pale or yellowed skin;

weakness or fainting; or

urinating less than usual or not at all.

pain in your lower back;

drowsiness, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;

swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath;

confusion, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, trouble concentrating;

feeling shaky or unsteady;

problems with speech or vision; or

seizure (convulsions).

Less serious Valtrex side effects may include:

nausea, stomach pain;

headache, dizziness, tired feeling, depression;

joint pain;

menstrual pain;

mild skin rash; or

stuffy nose, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Valtrex?

Valtrex can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when it is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. Before taking Valtrex, tell your doctor if you are also using:

lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);

methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexal);

pain or arthritis medicines such as aspirin (Anacin, Excedrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and others;

medicines used to treat ulcerative colitis, such as mesalamine (Pentasa) or sulfasalazine (Azulfidine);

medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, such as sirolimus (Rapamune) or tacrolimus (Prograf);

IV antibiotics such as amphotericin B (Fungizone, AmBisome, Amphotec, Abelcet), amikacin (Amikin), bacitracin (Baci-IM), capreomycin (Capastat), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), streptomycin, or vancomycin (Vancocin, Vancoled);

antiviral medicines such as adefovir (Hepsera), cidofovir (Vistide), or foscarnet (Foscavir); or

cancer medicine such as aldesleukin (Proleukin), carmustine (BiCNU, Gliadel), cisplatin (Platinol), ifosfamide (Ifex), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), plicamycin (Mithracin), streptozocin (Zanosar), or tretinoin (Vesanoid).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Valtrex. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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Invirase

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Invirase

Generic Name: saquinavir (sa KWIN a veer)

What is Invirase?

Invirase is an antiviral medication. It is in a group of drugs called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. It prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Invirase is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medication is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Invirase may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Invirase

Do not take Invirase with amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rythmol), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater), quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute, Quinidex), cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal or Methergine.

There are many other medicines that can interact with Invirase. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Taking Invirase will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Before taking Invirase

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to saquinavir.

Do not take Invirase with any of the following medications. They can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking Invirase:

amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone);

cisapride (Propulsid);

flecainide (Tambocor);

midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion);

pimozide (Orap);

propafenone (Rythmol);

quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute); or

or ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Invirase:

diabetes;

a bleeding disorder (hemophilia); or

high cholesterol or triglycerides.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.

Invirase can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Invirase. You should not breast-feed while you are using Invirase. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 16 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take Invirase?

Take Invirase exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Invirase should be taken together with another medication called ritonavir (Norvir).

Take Invirase and ritonavir with food or within 2 hours after eating a full meal.

It is important to use Invirase regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

To be sure Invirase is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store Invirase at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Invirase overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking Invirase?

If you also take didanosine, take it 2 hour before or after you take Invirase.

Taking Invirase will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Invirase side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Invirase: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Invirase and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

increased urination or extreme thirst;

easy bruising or bleeding;

signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms; or

nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious Invirase side effects may include:

mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

numbness or tingling, especially around your mouth;

muscle pain;

headache, mood changes; or

changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Invirase?

Many drugs can interact with Invirase. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);

fluticasone (Advair, Flonase, Flovent);

garlic or St. John’s wort;

antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater);

antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), trazodone (Desyrel), and others;

a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

a calcium channel blocker such as amlodipine (Caduet, Lotrel, Norvasc), diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Dilacor), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);

cholesterol-lowering medicine such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), or simvastatin (Zocor);

drugs that weaken the immune system, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), sirolimus (Rapamune), or tacrolimus (Prograf);

other HIV /AIDS medicine such as darunavir (Prezista), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), or tipranavir (Aptivus);

insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth;

medicines to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra); or

seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), or phenytoin (Dilantin).

This list is not complete and there may be other medicines that can interact with Invirase. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

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Fortovase

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Fortovase

Fortovase cannot be interchanged with saquinavir mesylate ( Invirase) capsules.

Fortovase is used for:

Treating HIV infection. Fortovase should be used with other antiretroviral agents.

Fortovase is a protease inhibitor. It works by blocking the growth of an enzyme (HIV protease) that the HIV virus needs to reproduce in the body.

Do NOT use Fortovase if:

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Fortovase :

Some medical conditions may interact with Fortovase . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Fortovase . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Fortovase may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Fortovase :

Use Fortovase as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Fortovase .

Important safety information:

Possible side effects of Fortovase :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Anxiety; blurred vision; bronchitis; change in sexual ability; constipation; diarrhea; dry lips/skin; gas; headache; heartburn; loss of appetite; nausea; night sweats; sleeplessness; stomach discomfort; taste change; tiredness; vomiting; warts; weight gain.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back pain; bloody stools; body fat changes; chest pain; confusion; coughing up blood; dark urine; difficulty urinating; dizziness; excessive thirst, hunger, or urination; fast heartbeat; fever; flu-like symptoms; fruity breath odor; itching; loss of coordination; mental or mood changes; muscle pain; numbness or tingling; pneumonia; seizures; shortness of breath; slow onset of drowsiness; stomach pain or tenderness; tenderness or bleeding of gums; thoughts of hurting yourself; unusual vaginal discharge or odor; unusual weakness; white patches in mouth; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (

Store Fortovase in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Once brought to room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), capsules should be used within 3 months. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Fortovase out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Fortovase . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

More Fortovase resources

Compare Fortovase with other medications for the treatment of:

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Crixivan

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Crixivan

Crixivan is used for:

Treating HIV infection in some patients when used in combination with certain other medicines.

Crixivan is an HIV protease inhibitor. It works by slowing the growth of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT use Crixivan if:

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Crixivan :

Some medical conditions may interact with Crixivan . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Crixivan . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Crixivan may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Crixivan :

Use Crixivan as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Crixivan .

Important safety information:

Possible side effects of Crixivan :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Bad taste in the mouth; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; tiredness; vomiting; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back, flank, or side pain; bloody or cloudy urine; change in the amount of urine; changes in appetite; chest pain; chills; confusion; dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; flushed face; heartburn; ingrown toenails; joint or muscle aches; mental or mood changes; numbness of the mouth; one-sided numbness or weakness; pain while urinating; pale stools; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe dizziness or fainting; severe or persistent stomach pain or upset; speech problems; swelling of the feet, hands, lower legs, or stomach; unusual hair loss; unusual paleness; unusual tiredness; unusually dry skin; vision changes; weight changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (

Store Crixivan at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in the original bottle. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Leave the desiccant in the bottle. Do not eat the desiccant. Keep Crixivan out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Crixivan . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

More Crixivan resources

Compare Crixivan with other medications for the treatment of:

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Agenerase

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Agenerase

Agenerase is used for:

Treating HIV infection. Agenerase is used in combination with other medicines.

Agenerase is an HIV-protease inhibitor. It works by inhibiting the growth of HIV.

Do NOT use Agenerase if:

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Agenerase :

Some medical conditions may interact with Agenerase . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Agenerase . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Agenerase may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Agenerase :

Use Agenerase as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Agenerase .

Important safety information:

Possible side effects of Agenerase :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Diarrhea/loose stools; headache; nausea; numbness or tingling around the mouth and in the hands and feet; rash; shift of body fat to stomach and upper back; stomach pain; taste disorders; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in mood, emotions, or behavior; clumsiness; depression; excessive urination, thirst, or hunger; fever, chills, or sore throat; muscle pain or stiffness; red, swollen, or blistered skin; seizures; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (

Store Agenerase at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Agenerase out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Agenerase . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

More Agenerase resources

User reviews

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Viracept

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Viracept

Generic Name: nelfinavir (nel FIN a veer)

What is Viracept?

Viracept is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. It prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Viracept is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Viracept is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Important information about Viracept

Children and pregnant women should not take Viracept as a “first-line” treatment. If you already take Viracept your doctor may recommend that you keep taking it. Do not stop taking this medicine or change your dose without your doctor’s advice.

Do not take Viracept with amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, or Methergine. These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking Viracept.

There are many other medicines that can interact with Viracept. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex.

A European version of nelfinavir was found to have high levels of an impurity known to cause cancer in animals. Viracept in the U.S. was found to have lower levels of the impurity, which is created during the manufacturing process but can be minimized.

It is not known whether this impurity has caused harm to anyone taking nelfinavir, and it is important to keep treating your condition.

Before taking Viracept

You should not take Viracept if you are allergic to nelfinavir, or if you have severe liver or kidney disease.

Do not take Viracept with amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, or Methergine. These medications can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking Viracept.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Viracept.

diabetes;

a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; or

high cholesterol or triglycerides.

FDA pregnancy category B. Viracept is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant. Viracept can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Viracept.

If you are pregnant, your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.

You should not breast-feed while you are using Viracept. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old.

The powder form of Viracept may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using the powder form if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take Viracept?

Take Viracept exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take Viracept with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. This medicine works best if you take it with food.

Swallow the Viracept tablet whole.

If you cannot swallow a whole tablet, dissolve it in a small amount of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

A dose of Viracept powder must be mixed with liquid. You may use water, milk, formula, soy formula, soy milk, or a dietary supplement. Do not mix the powder with apple juice, orange juice, or other acidic juices or foods. Do not add the liquid directly to the bottle of Viracept powder.

Drink the mixture right away. If the mixture is not used right away, it may be stored in a refrigerator for up to 6 hours.

It is important to use Viracept regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

To be sure Viracept is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Children and pregnant women should not take Viracept as a “first-line” treatment. If you already take Viracept your doctor may recommend that you keep taking it. Do not stop taking this medicine or change your dose without your doctor’s advice.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Viracept overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking Viracept?

If you also take didanosine, take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Viracept.

Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Viracept side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Viracept: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

increased urination or extreme thirst;

easy bruising or bleeding; or

signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms.

Less serious Viracept side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating, loss of appetite;

tired feeling;

headache, mood changes; or

changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Viracept?

Before taking Viracept, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

fluticasone (Advair, Flonase, Flovent);

itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);

lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra);

methadone (Dolophine, Methadose);

omeprazole (Prilosec);

rifabutin (Mycobutin, or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater);

St. John’s wort;

antidepressants such as trazodone (Desyrel) and others;

a calcium channel blocker such as amlodipine (Caduet, Lotrel, Norvasc), diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Dilacor), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);

cholesterol-lowering medicine such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), or simvastatin (Zocor);

drugs that weaken the immune system, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), sirolimus (Rapamune), or tacrolimus (Prograf);

insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth;

medicines to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra); or

seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), or phenytoin (Dilantin).

This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with Viracept. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

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Norvir

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Norvir

Generic Name: ritonavir (rit OH na vir)

What is Norvir?

Norvir is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. Norvir prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Norvir is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Norvir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Norvir

Do not take Norvir with alfuzosin (Uroxatral), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), bepridil (Vascor), flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rythmol), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), voriconazole (Vfend), cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal or Methergine. These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking Norvir.

There are many other medicines that can interact with Norvir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking Norvir will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Before taking Norvir

Do not take Norvir if you are allergic to ritonavir.

Do not take Norvir with any of the following medications:

alfuzosin (Uroxatral);

amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone);

cisapride (Propulsid);

flecainide (Tambocor);

midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion);

pimozide (Orap);

propafenone (Rythmol);

quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute);

terfenadine (Seldane);

voriconazole (Vfend); or

ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking Norvir.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking Norvir, tell your doctor if you have:

diabetes;

a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; or

high cholesterol or triglycerides.

FDA pregnancy category B. Norvir is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant. Norvir can make birth control pills or patches less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Norvir. You should not breast-feed while you are using Norvir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

How should I take Norvir?

Take Norvir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Norvir works best if you take it with food.

Measure the liquid form (oral solution) of Norvir with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Liquid Norvir can be mixed with chocolate milk or a nutrition drink such as Ensure. Drink the mixture within 1 hour after mixing.

It is important to use Norvir regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

To be sure Norvir is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store Norvir capsules in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat or moisture. If you store the capsules at room temperature you must use them within 30 days. Store Norvir liquid at room temperature with the cap tightly closed. Do not refrigerate.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication, or if a child has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of Norvir oral liquid could be fatal to a child.

What should I avoid while taking Norvir?

If you also take didanosine, take it 2 hours before or after you take Norvir.

Norvir oral liquid contains alcohol. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while using this medicine, and do not take disulfiram (Antabuse) or you could have an alcohol reaction. Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Norvir side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Norvir and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

increased urination or extreme thirst;

easy bruising or bleeding;

signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms;

severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate; or

low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious Norvir side effects may include:

mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

numbness or tingling, especially around your mouth;

headache, mood changes; or

changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Norvir?

Before taking Norvir, tell your doctor if you are using:

fluticasone (Advair, Flonase, Flovent);

St. John’s wort;

an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), rifabutin (Mycobutin), or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater);

antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);

an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone (Desyrel), and others;

a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Cartia,Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);

cholesterol-lowering medicine such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), or simvastatin (Zocor);

drugs that weaken the immune system, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), sirolimus (Rapamune), or tacrolimus (Prograf);

other HIV /AIDS medicine such as atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), or saquinavir (Invirase);

insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth;

medicines to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra); or

seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), clonazepam (Klonopin), divalproex (Depakote), ethosuximide (Zarontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), or phenytoin (Dilantin).

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Aptivus

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Aptivus

Generic Name: tipranavir (tip RA na veer)

What is Aptivus?

Aptivus is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. It prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Aptivus is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Aptivus may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Aptivus

Do not use Aptivus if you are allergic to tipranavir or ritonavir (Norvir), or if you have moderate to severe liver disease.

Life-threatening side effects can occur if you take Aptivus with any of the following medications: amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), bepridil (Vascor), cisapride (Propulsid), flecainide (Tambocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor, Vytorin), propafenone (Rythmol), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), St. John’s wort, or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Ergotrate, Cafergot, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, or Methergine.

There are many other medicines that can interact with Aptivus.Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

Aptivus is used in combination with a similar drug called ritonavir (Norvir). Some people taking this combination of medicines have developed life-threatening medical problems including liver damage and bleeding in the brain. If you are taking these two medications, call your doctor at once if you have any of the following side effects:

unusual bleeding (such as a nosebleed or blood in your urine or stools);

sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

low fever, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

dark urine, clay-colored stools; or

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Before taking Aptivus

Do not use Aptivus if you are allergic to tipranavir or ritonavir (Norvir), if you have moderate to severe liver disease, or if you are using any of the following drugs:

amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone);

bepridil (Vascor);

cisapride (Propulsid);

flecainide (Tambocor);

lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor) or simvastatin (Zocor, Vytorin);

midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion);

pimozide (Orap);

propafenone (Rythmol);

quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute);

rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane);

St. John’s wort; or

ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking Aptivus.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using Aptivus, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C);

diabetes;

high cholesterol or triglycerides;

a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; or

if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Aptivus is harmful to an unborn baby. HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant. Aptivus can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Aptivus. You should not breast-feed while you are using Aptivus. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

How should I take Aptivus?

Take Aptivus exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If you also take ritonavir, take it at the same time you take Aptivus unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Aptivus works best if you take it with food. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break or chew it.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

To be sure Aptivus is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Aptivus.

It is important to use Aptivus regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store an unopened bottle of Aptivus capsules in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. After opening the bottle for the first time, you may store the capsules at room temperature. Throw away any capsules you have not used within 60 days after you first opened the medicine bottle.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Aptivus overdose are unknown.

What should I avoid while taking Aptivus?

If you also take didanosine, take it 2 hours before or after you take Aptivus.

Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking Aptivus will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Aptivus side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some people taking Aptivus and ritonavir have developed life-threatening medical problems including liver damage and bleeding in the brain. If you are taking these two medications, call your doctor at once if you have any of the following side effects:

unusual bleeding (such as a nosebleed or blood in your urine or stools);

sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

low fever, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

dark urine, clay-colored stools; or

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

severe skin rash, blistering, peeling, or sunburn;

increased urination or extreme thirst;

easy bruising or bleeding; or

signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, skin lesions, or flu symptoms.

Less serious Aptivus side effects may include:

mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

headache, tired feeling; or

changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Aptivus?

Many drugs can interact with Aptivus. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

disulfiram (Antabuse);

enfuvirtide (Fuseon);

fluticasone (Advair, Flonase, Flovent);

insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth;

itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);

methadone (Methadose, Diskets, Dolophine);

omeprazole (Prilosec);

rifabutin (Mycobutin);

vitamin E (especially at high doses);

an antidepressant such as desipramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone (Desyrel), and others;

a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Dilacor), felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), nisoldipine (Sular), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);

cholesterol-lowering medicine such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and others;

drugs that weaken the immune system, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), sirolimus (Rapamune), or tacrolimus (Prograf);

medication used to prevent blood clots, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine) and others;

medicines to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra);

other HIV /AIDS medicine such as atazanavir (Reyataz), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), or saquinavir (Invirase); or

seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), clonazepam (Klonopin), divalproex (Depakote), ethosuximide (Zarontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), phenobarbital (Solfoton), phenytoin (Dilantin), or valproic acid (Depakene).

This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with Aptivus. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Posted in protease inhibitors Tags: , No Comments »

Lexiva

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Lexiva

Generic Name: fosamprenavir (FOS am pren a veer)

What is Lexiva?

Lexiva (fosamprenavir) is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. Lexiva prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Lexiva is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Lexiva may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Lexiva

Do not take Lexiva with cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine, and others.

Lexiva should not be taken together with ritonavir (Norvir) if you are also using a heart rhythm medication called flecainide (Tambocor) or propafenone (Rythmol). Ask your doctor about taking a different medication for your heart rhythm disorder.

These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking Lexiva.

There are many other medicines that can cause serious interactions if you use them while taking Lexiva. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking Lexiva will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex.

Before taking Lexiva

Do not take Lexiva if you are allergic to fosamprenavir or a similar drug called amprenavir (Agenerase).

Do not take Lexiva together with cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

Lexiva should not be taken together with ritonavir (Norvir) if you are also using a heart rhythm medication called flecainide (Tambocor) or propafenone (Rythmol). Ask your doctor about taking a different medication for your heart rhythm disorder.

These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking Lexiva.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Lexiva. Before you take this medicine, tell your doctor if you have:

diabetes;

a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;

high cholesterol or triglycerides; or

if you have ever used a protease inhibitor in the past.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Lexiva is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.

Taking Lexiva together with another HIV medicine called ritonavir (Norvir) and also using birth control pills can increase you risk of liver problems.

Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Lexiva and ritonavir. You should not breast-feed while you are using Lexiva. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

How should I take Lexiva?

Take Lexiva exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Lexiva tablets can be taken with or without food.

Lexiva liquid should be taken with food in children and without food in adults.

Shake the oral liquid well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

It is important to use Lexiva regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store Lexiva tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. You may store Lexiva suspension in the refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Lexiva overdose are unknown.

What should I avoid while taking Lexiva?

Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking Lexiva will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Lexiva side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Lexiva and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

increased urination or extreme thirst;

easy bruising or bleeding; or

signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects of Lexiva include:

mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

numbness or tingling, especially around your mouth;

headache, mood changes; or

changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Lexiva?

Many other drugs can cause serious or life-threatening drug interactions if you use them while taking Lexiva. Before taking Lexiva, tell your doctor if you are also using:

heart rhythm medicine such as amiodarone (Cordarone), lidocaine, or quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex);

itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);

an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), or paroxetine (Paxil);

rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater);

steroid medicine such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) or fluticasone (Advair, Flonase, Flovent);

St. John’s wort;

a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

a calcium channel blocker such as amlodipine (Caduet, Lotrel, Norvasc), diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Dilacor), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);

cholesterol-lowering medicine such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), or simvastatin (Zocor);

drugs that weaken the immune system, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), sirolimus (Rapamune), or tacrolimus (Prograf);

other HIV /AIDS medicine such as delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva), nevirapine (Viramune), or lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra);

insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth;

medicines to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra);

seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), or phenytoin (Dilantin); or

stomach acid reducers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), or ranitidine (Zantac).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take Lexiva, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

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