Viracept tablets and oral powder contain the active ingredient nelfinavir, which is a type of medicine called a protease inhibitor. It is used in the treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection.
There is no cure for HIV, however viracept medication lowers the amount of virus in the body (viral load) and slows the progression of the disease from HIV to AIDS. Nelfinavir is used in conjunction with other anti-HIV drugs that attack the HIV virus in different ways. This helps prevent the virus becoming resistant to the medicine. |
What are the recommended dosage of viracept? |
ADULTS
The recommended dose is 1,250 milligrams (five 250-milligram or two 625-milligram tablets) twice a day or 750 milligrams (three 250-milligram tablets) 3 times a day. Take with a meal or snack.
CHILDREN
Viracept oral powder is available for children who are unable to take tablets. The recommended dose for children 2 to 13 years of age is 20 to 30 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight, 3 times a day with a meal or snack.
Overdosage
Information on acute overdose with Viracept is limited. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. |
| What are the side effects for using viracept? |
| The majority of side effects are mild. Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness or gas might occur. If these continue or are bothersome, notify your doctor. Unlikely but report: persistent sore throat, rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, vision problems, unusual fatigue, increased urination or thirst. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (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. Very unlikely but report immediately any allergic reaction while taking this medication. Symptoms include: difficulty breathing, itching, fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. |
| What are the precautions of using viracept? |
| Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, allergies (especially drug allergies), blood disorders (hemophilia), diabetes. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medication. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into human milk. HIV-infected mothers are advised to avoid breast-feeding in order to protect the infant from becoming infected with HIV. Caution is advised if this drug is used in children under 2 years of age. |
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