Can you answer the following questions about Viracept®?
What is the generic name? Any abbreviations?
What "class" antiretroviral is it and how does it work?
With food, without food or food doesn't matter?
Any special storage instructions?
Any side effects?
Any possible drug interactions?
What is a typical dose?
Any other significant counseling points?
Viracept ®
(Nelfinavir) is a protease inhibitor (PI) that
suppresses viral replication.
Viracept ®
(Nelfinavir) can be dosed 1250 mg bid or 750 mg
tid.
Viracept ®
(Nelfinavir) should be taken with food to improve drug
concentrations.
The most common side effect experienced is
diarrhea.
Hyperglycemia,
fat redistribution, and
cholesterol abnormalities have been
associated with the use of PIs.
Potential for drug interactions exists due to inhibition of cytochrome
P450 enzymes.
As with all antiretrovirals, adherence is
crucial. Non-adherence is a
frequent cause of drug failure and viral resistance, not only to nelfinavir,
but to other PIs as well.
