Viracept (Nelfinavir Mesylate)

Do’s

• Before starting Viracept, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider.
• Viracept should be taken by mouth with a meal, as directed by your healthcare provider. Taking it with food helps with absorption and reduces the risk of stomach upset. The usual dosing frequency is 2 to 3 times daily.
• If you are unable to swallow tablets, you may crush your dose and take it with food. 
• Alternatively, the tablets can be dissolved in a small amount of water. If you dissolve the tablets, make sure to stir the mixture well and drink all of it immediately. Rinse your container with more water and drink the rinse liquid to ensure you receive the full dose. 
• The dosage of Viracept is determined based on factors such as your weight, liver function, medical condition, other medications you may be taking, and your response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate dose for you.
• For the best effect, take Viracept at evenly spaced intervals. This helps maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body. To help you remember, try taking it at the same times every day.
• Take Viracept (and any other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Don’ts

• Do not mix Viracept with acidic foods or juices (such as orange juice or apple juice/sauce) as it may make the medicine taste bitter.
• Do not take more or less of the drug than prescribed, and do not stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your healthcare provider may increase the amount of virus in your body, make the infection more difficult to treat, or worsen side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Gas
• Skin rash
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in the arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk) 

These common side effects are generally temporary and may improve within a few weeks or months of starting Viracept.

Serious Side Effects:

• Signs of new infection
• High blood sugar
• Rapid heart rate
• Unusual bleeding
• Weakness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe tiredness
• Muscle aches/weakness that doesn't go away
• Severe or persistent headaches
• Joint pain
• Numbness/tingling of the hands/feet/arms/legs
• Vision changes
• Signs of infection (such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, trouble breathing, cough, non-healing skin sores)
• Signs of an overactive thyroid (such as irritability, nervousness, heat intolerance, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat).

If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help right away.

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual side effects while taking Viracept, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Viracept may interact with other medications, potentially increasing the risk of serious side effects or decreasing the effectiveness of other drugs. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements.

The use of Viracept during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare provider. There have been reports of hepatic adverse events in pregnant patients receiving nelfinavir. Alternative antiretroviral drugs may be considered during pregnancy, and clinical monitoring is recommended if Viracept is used.

Viracept should not be used in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C, score greater than or equal to 7). However, it can be used in patients with mild hepatic impairment without any dose adjustment.

Viracept does not prevent the transmission of HIV to others. Practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles or other drug-related equipment to prevent the spread of HIV.

When taking Viracept or any other medication, follow standard precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes proper hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, and using personal protective equipment when necessary.

Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding your specific situation.