Viracept (Nelfinavir)

What is Viracept?

Viracept is an antiviral drug. It belongs to the class of Protease Inhibitors, which is a group of HIV medicines.

What is Viracept used for?

Viracept is recommended for patients suffering from HIV, which can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, it is to be noted that Viracept is not meant for the cure of HIV or AIDS.

How does Viracept work?

Viracept keeps the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cells present in the body from multiplying.

How to use Viracept

Viracept should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Thus, carefully follow all instructions given on the prescription label.

One full tablet of Viracept is recommended to be taken with a full glass of water, and is preferred to be taken with food.

If you find it difficult to swallow the whole tablet at one go, then dissolve it in small amount of water; stir and drink the whole of it, right away.

Viracept warnings and precautions

This drug is not advised to be taken as a ‘first line’ treatment by children and pregnant women.

The dosage of Viracept should not be stopped immediately, or one should not alter the medication, without consulting the doctor.

The medication should neither be taken in larger amounts, than prescribed, nor should it be taken for longer duration than recommended.

Get your blood and liver tests done regularly while taking this medicine. This will help the doctor assess your medical condition, by which he can alter the dosage accordingly, if required.

Viracept cannot prevent HIV from spreading; therefore, one should have safe sex and should not share needles or razors, particularly, while taking Viracept.

Patients, who are allergic to nelfinavir, or are undergoing any severe liver or kidney ailment, are not advised to take Viracept medicines, as they may be allergic to the latter also.

Before taking this medicine, give a history of any liver or kidney disease, diabetes, bleeding disorder, or high cholesterol, to the doctor.

What do I do if I have missed a Viracept dose?

If you have missed your Viracept dose you should take it just as soon as you remember. But if it is already time for the next dose, then, do not take the missed one.

What do I do if I have taken a Viracept overdose?

If you have taken a Viracept overdose you should immediately consult your doctor.

Viracept interactions

While taking Viracept, do not take any of these medicines: amiodarone, quinidine, pimozide, midazolam, triazolam, or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, Migranal, or Methergine..

Also, inform your doctor, if you are previously taking any other medicine like those of vitamins, minerals, herbal products, or other drugs. They might interact with Viracept.

Viracept side effects

• The consumption of Viracept can lower the effectiveness of birth control pills. One should consult the doctor to get a non-hormone medicine for birth control, which can be taken alongside Viracept.
• If the consumption of this drug results in any kind of allergy like hives, trouble in breathing, or swelling on face or lips, then consult the doctor, without delay.
• Other side effects of Viracept are fever, headache, mood swings, tiredness, extreme thirst and increased trips of urination.
• The consumption of this medicine can also lead to some infections like chills, cough or flu symptoms, frequent bleeding or bruising, pain in stomach, nausea or vomiting, and bloating.