VIRACEPT

Drug Name: VIRACEPT

VIRACEPT DESCRIPTION:
NELFINAVIR TABLETS - ORAL (nell-FIN-uh-veer)

COMMON VIRACEPT BRAND NAME(S):
Viracept

VIRACEPT SIDE EFFECTS:
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 or increased urination or thirst. Very unlikely but report immediately any allergic reaction while taking VIRACEPT. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, itching, or fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VIRACEPT:
VIRACEPT: Take exactly as directed with a meal or light snack. It is critical to take VIRACEPT every day exactly as prescribed. Do not interrupt treatment nor take more than prescribed by your doctor.

VIRACEPT WARNING:
Nelfinavir is used to treat HIV infection. It is not known how long VIRACEPT will benefit those with HIV infection.

VIRACEPT USES:
VIRACEPT belongs to a class of drugs called protease inhibitors and is used, in combination with other drugs, to treat HIV infection.

VIRACEPT PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking VIRACEPT, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, any allergies (especially drug allergies), blood disorders (hemophilia) or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medication. It is not known whether VIRACEPT 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. Patients taking birth control pills should use a different or additional method of birth control during treatment with nelfinavir. Caution is advised if VIRACEPT is used in children under 2 years of age.

VIRACEPT DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may take, especially terfenadine, astemizole, midazolam, triazolam, cisapride, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), other protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir), ergots (e.g., methysergide, ergotamine), amiodarone, quinidine, St John's wort and of "statin" drugs (e.g., lovastatin). VIRACEPT may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

VIRACEPT OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

VIRACEPT NOTES:
VIRACEPT does not cure HIV infection. Patients treated with nelfinavir may continue to acquire "opportunistic" infections associated with HIV. VIRACEPT also does not prevent transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood. Do not share VIRACEPT with others.

MISSED VIRACEPT DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

VIRACEPT STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.