Viracept

What is it?

An anti-HlV preparation and protease inhibitor available as film- coated, blue tablets containing 250mg of nelfinavir, marked with strength and name. Also, VIRACEPT POWDER, an oral powder containing 50mg of nelfinavir per g.

Medical Uses

With antiretrovirals to treat HIV-1 infection.

Dosage

Adults, 1250mg once each day or 750mg twice each day with meals. Children aged 3 to 13 years, 25 to 30mg per kg of body weight 3 times each day.

Special Care

Pregnancy, impaired liver or kidney function, diabetes, haemophillia.

Avoid Use

Children aged under 3 years, breastfeeding.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Carbamazepine, indinavir, rifabutin, erythromycin, astemizole, azole antifungals, triazolam, cisapride, clarithromycin, phenytoin, midazolam, saquinavir, inducers, inhibitors and/or substrates of CYP3A4, rifampicin, terfenadine, ergot derivatives, terfenadine, phenobarbitone, oral contraceptives, sildenafil, calcium antagonists, delavirdine, St John's Wort.

Known Side Effects

Insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood lipid levels, rash, increased creatinine kinase and reansaminases, decreased neutrophils (white blood cells), abnormal metabolism and deposition of fats (lipodystrophy), hepatitis. Any adverse side effects should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).