Tablets
Chemical Name: NELFINAVIR (nel-FIN-a-veer)

Common uses
Viracept is an HIV protease inhibitor used alone or in combination with another medicine to manage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Before using
WARNING: Nelfinavir is used to treat HIV infection. It is not known how long this drug will benefit those with HIV infection. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking amiodarone, astemizole, cisapride, eletriptan, ergot derivatives (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), midazolam, nevirapine, pimozide, quinidine, rifampin, “statins” (e.g., lovastatin, simvastatin), terfenadine, or triazolam. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking azithromycin, carbamazepine, caspofungin, delavirdine, garlic supplements, methadone, nevirapine, other protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir), phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, sildenafil, St. John’s wort, or medicines which suppress the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using Viracept provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with a meal or light snack. Tablets may be swallowed whole, crushed and mixed with food, or dissolved in water. Once mixed with food or dissolved in water, use the entire contents immediately. Take exactly as directed. STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed on the package. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this medicine. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE of this medicine without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose of this medicine may not provide additional benefits, and may increase the risks of side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT YOU FROM SPREADING HIV through sexual contact. If you have any questions concerning how to prevent the spreading of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY NOT PREVENT OTHER INFECTIONS. If your health changes, check with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT TAKE Seldane (terfenadine) or Hismanal (astemizole) while taking this medicine. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include diarrhea, nausea, gas, or rash. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience gradual onset of drowsiness, flushing, thirst, loss of appetite, or increased urination. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medicine (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information
If you have any questions concerning how to prevent the spreading of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.