Nelfinavir Mesylate
Class: HIV Protease Inhibitors
VA Class: AM800
Chemical Name: [3S-[2(2S*,3S*),3α,4aβ,8aβ]] -N-(1,1-dimethylethyl)decahydro-2-[2-hydroxy-3-[(3-hydroxy-2 -methylbenzoyl)amino]-4-(phenylthio)butyl]-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide monomethanesulfonate (salt)
Molecular Formula: C32H45N3O4S•CH4O3S
CAS Number: 159989-65-8
Brands: Viracept
Introduction
Antiretroviral; HIV protease inhibitor (PI).1 2 3 4 7 8
Uses for Nelfinavir Mesylate
Treatment of HIV Infection
Treatment of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) infection in conjunction with other antiretrovirals.1
Not recommended in initial regimens used in antiretroviral-naive adults or adolescents;200 less potent antiretroviral activity compared with some other PIs and associated with high incidence of diarrhea.200
Not a preferred or alternative protease inhibitor for initial regimens in antiretroviral-naive children;201 can be considered in special circumstances in those ≥2 years of age.201
Postexposure Prophylaxis of HIV
Postexposure prophylaxis of HIV infection† in health-care workers and others exposed occupationally via percutaneous injury or mucous membrane or nonintact skin contact with blood, tissues, or other body fluids associated with risk for transmission of the virus.199 Used in conjunction with other antiretrovirals.199
Postexposure prophylaxis of HIV infection† in individuals who have had nonoccupational exposure to blood, genital secretions, or other potentially infectious body fluids of a person known to be infected with HIV when that exposure represents a substantial risk for HIV transmission.198 Used in conjunction with other antiretrovirals.198
Nelfinavir Mesylate Dosage and Administration
Administration
Oral Administration
Administer orally with a meal.1
Tablets are film-coated to facilitate swallowing.1
For individuals unable to swallow tablets, place appropriate dose of 250-mg tablets in small amount of water and allow to disperse.1 After tablets dissolve, mix the cloudy liquid well and immediately consume.1 To ensure that entire dose is consumed, rinse glass with water and swallow the rinse.1
Dosage
Available as nelfinavir mesylate; dosage expressed as nelfinavir.1
Must be given in conjunction with other antiretrovirals.1
Pediatric Patients
Treatment of HIV Infection
Oral
Infants <2 years of age†: Reliably effective dosage not established;1 not recommended in this age group.201 (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)
Children 2 to <13 years of age: 45–55 mg/kg twice daily or 25–35 mg/kg 3 times daily.1 (See Table 1.)
Children ≥13 years of age: 1.25 g (five 250-mg tablets or two 625-mg tablets) twice daily or 750 mg (three 250-mg tablets) 3 times daily.1
|
Weight (kg) |
No. of 250-mg Tablets 2 times daily (45–55 mg/kg 2 times daily) |
No. of 250-mg Tablets 3 times daily (25–35 mg/kg 3 times daily) |
|---|---|---|
|
10–12 |
2 |
1 |
|
13–18 |
3 |
2 |
|
19–20 |
4 |
2 |
|
≥21 |
4–5 |
3 |
Adults
Treatment of HIV Infection
Oral
1.25 g (five 250-mg tablets or two 625-mg tablets) twice daily or 750 mg (three 250-mg tablets) 3 times daily.1
Postexposure Prophylaxis of HIV†
Occupational Exposure†
Oral1.25 g twice daily.199
Initiate postexposure prophylaxis as soon as possible following exposure (within hours rather than days) and continue for 4 weeks, if tolerated.199
Nonoccupational Exposure†
Oral1.25 g twice daily or 750 mg 3 times daily in conjunction with other antiretrovirals.198
Initiate postexposure prophylaxis as soon as possible following exposure (preferably ≤72 hours after exposure) and continue for 28 days.198
Prescribing Limits
Pediatric Patients
Treatment of HIV
Oral
Children 2 to <13 years of age (tablets): Maximum 1.25 g (5 tablets) twice daily or 750 mg (3 tablets) 3 times daily.1 Dosages >2.5 g daily not studied in children.1
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
Treatment of HIV Infection
Oral
Dosage adjustment not needed in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A, score 5–6).1 Do not use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B or C, score ≥7).1
Renal Impairment
Treatment of HIV Infection
Oral
Safety and efficacy not established;1 some experts state dosage adjustments not necessary.200
Cautions for Nelfinavir Mesylate
Contraindications
-
Concomitant use with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for metabolism and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events (e.g., alfuzosin, amiodarone, cisapride, ergot alkaloids, oral midazolam, pimozide, quinidine, sildenafil used for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension [PAH], triazolam).1 Concomitant use with drugs that may decrease nelfinavir concentrations (e.g., rifampin, St. John’s wort [Hypericum perforatum].1 (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
Warnings/Precautions
Interactions
Concomitant use with certain drugs not recommended or requires particular caution.1 (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
Hyperglycemic Effects
Hyperglycemia, new-onset diabetes mellitus, or exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus reported with use of HIV PIs; diabetic ketoacidosis has occurred.1 82 130 131 132
Monitor blood glucose and initiate or adjust dosage of oral hypoglycemic agent or insulin as needed.1
Hemophilia A and B
Increased bleeding, including spontaneous skin hematomas and hemarthrosis, reported with PIs; causal relationship not established.1 75 77 124
Caution in patients with a history of hemophilia type A or B.75 Increased hemostatic (e.g., antihemophilic factor) therapy may be needed.1
Adipogenic Effects
Possible redistribution or accumulation of body fat, including central obesity, dorsocervical fat enlargement (“buffalo hump”), peripheral wasting, breast enlargement, and general cushingoid appearance.1 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
During initial treatment, patients who respond to antiretroviral therapy may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (e.g., Mycobacterium avium complex [MAC], M. tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus [CMV], Pneumocystis jiroveci [formerly P. carinii]); this may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.1
Autoimmune disorders (e.g., Graves' disease, polymyositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome) reported in the setting of immune reconstitution; time to onset is variable and can occur many months after initiation of antiretroviral therapy.1
HIV Resistance
Possibility of HIV resistance to nelfinavir and possible cross-resistance to other PIs.1 Effect of nelfinavir therapy on subsequent therapy with other PIs unclear.1
Ethyl Methane Sulfonate (EMS)
Nelfinavir preparations manufactured before 2008 may have contained low levels of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS), an impurity produced by the manufacturing process.178 202 EMS has been teratogenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic in animals; no human data exist and no increase in birth defects has been observed in the antiretroviral pregnancy registry.178 202 All nelfinavir preparations manufactured and released since March 31, 2008 meet EMS limits established by FDA for all patient populations, including children and pregnant women.202
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category B.1 Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry at 800-258-4263 or .1 202
Experts state that use of nelfinavir may be considered in pregnant women in special circumstances when used solely for prevention of perinatal HIV transmission in antiretroviral-naive women when antiretroviral therapy not otherwise indicated and alternatives are not tolerated.202
Pharmacokinetic data indicate plasma concentrations may be lower and more variable during late pregnancy.187 202 (See Special Populations under Pharmacokinetics.)
Lactation
Low concentrations distributed into human milk.168
Instruct HIV-infected women not to breast-feed because of risk of HIV transmission and risk of adverse effects in the infant.1 202
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in infants and children <2 years of age.1 Some data collected in this age group, but reliably effective dosage not established.1 Some evidence that those <2 years of age have a lower response rate than older children.1
Consider that use of nelfinavir in children is associated with highly variable drug exposure.1 (See Pharmacokinetics.)
Use of nelfinavir in children 2–13 years of age supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults and pharmacokinetic and clinical studies supporting activity in pediatric patients.1 80 124 126 127 152 153 161 201 213 Diarrhea reported less frequently in children than in adults.80 124
Geriatric Use
Insufficient experience in those ≥65 years of age to determine whether they respond differently than younger adults.1
Hepatic Impairment
Do not use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C, score ≥7).1
Renal Impairment
Safety and efficacy not established in patients with renal impairment;1 only limited pharmacokinetic information available.14 51 160
Common Adverse Effects
Diarrhea,1 nausea,1 flatulence,1 rash.1
Interactions for Nelfinavir Mesylate
Metabolized by CYP3A and CYP2C19.1 80 83
Inhibits CYP3A; does not inhibit CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2C8, CYP1A2, or CYP2E1.1 80 83
Drugs Affecting or Metabolized by Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes
Pharmacokinetic interactions likely with drugs that are inhibitors, inducers, or substrates of CYP3A or CYP2C19 with possible alteration in metabolism of nelfinavir and/or other drug.1
Specific Drugs
|
Drug |
Interaction |
Comments |
|---|---|---|
|
Abacavir |
In vitro evidence of synergistic antiretroviral effects1 |
|
|
Alfuzosin |
Possible increased alfuzosin concentrations; may result in hypotension1 |
Concomitant use contraindicated1 |
|
Antiarrhythmic agents (amiodarone, quinidine) |
Possible increased antiarrhythmic agent concentrations; potential for serious or life-threatening effects (e.g., cardiac arrhythmias)1 |
Concomitant use with amiodarone or quinidine contraindicated1 |
|
Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin) |
Decreased phenytoin concentrations and AUC; no change in nelfinavir concentrations1 Possible decreased nelfinavir concentrations with carbamazepine or phenobarbital1 90 |
Monitor phenytoin concentrations; adjustment of phenytoin dosage may be needed 1 |
|
Antifungals, azoles (ketoconazole) |
Ketoconazole: Increased nelfinavir concentrations and AUC1 |
|
|
Antimycobacterials (rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine) |
Rifabutin: Increased rifabutin concentrations; decreased nelfinavir concentrations1 Rifampin: Decreased nelfinavir concentrations;1 possible decreased antiretroviral activity and development of resistance1 Rifapentine: Possible decreased nelfinavir concentrations200 |
Rifabutin: Reduce rifabutin dosage by 50%;1 nelfinavir 1.25 g twice daily is preferred regimen when concomitant therapy is necessary1 Rifampin: Concomitant use contraindicated1 Rifapentine: Concomitant use not recommended200 |
|
Avanafil |
Possible increased avanafil concentrations and AUC |
Do not use concomitantly188 |
|
Benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, triazolam) |
Pharmacokinetic interaction with midazolam or triazolam; potential for prolonged or increased sedation or respiratory depression1 |
Concomitant use with oral midazolam or triazolam contraindicated1 |
|
Bosentan |
Possible increased bosentan concentrations1 |
If bosentan and nelfinavir used concomitantly, initiate or adjust bosentan dosage to 62.5 mg once daily or every other day based on individual tolerability1 |
|
Cisapride |
Pharmacokinetic interaction; potential for serious or life-threatening reactions (e.g., cardiac arrhythmias)1 |
Concomitant use contraindicated1 |
|
Colchicine |
Possible increased colchicine concentrations1 |
Patients with renal or hepatic impairment: Avoid concomitant use of colchicine and nelfinavir1 Colchicine for treatment of gout flares: In those receiving nelfinavir, use initial colchicine dose of 0.6 mg followed by 0.3 mg 1 hour later; repeat dose no earlier than 3 days later1 Colchicine for prophylaxis of gout flares: In those receiving nelfinavir, decrease colchicine dosage to 0.3 mg once daily in those originally receiving 0.6 mg twice daily or decrease dosage to 0.3 mg once every other day in those originally receiving 0.6 once daily1 Colchicine for treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF): In those receiving nelfinavir, use maximum colchicine dosage of 0.6 mg daily (may be given as 0.3 mg twice daily)1 |
|
Corticosteroids (fluticasone) |
Fluticasone nasal spray/oral inhalation: Possible increased fluticasone concentrations1 |
Fluticasone nasal spray/oral inhalation: Consider alternatives in patients receiving nelfinavir, especially when long-term use of the corticosteroid is anticipated1 |
|
Co-trimoxazole |
Interaction unlikely1 |
|
|
Dapsone |
Interaction unlikely1 |
|
|
Darunavir |
No in vitro evidence of antagonistic antiretroviral effects204 |
|
|
Delavirdine |
Decreased delavirdine concentrations and AUC; increased nelfinavir concentrations and AUC1 In vitro evidence of synergistic antiretroviral effects1 |
Appropriate dosages for concomitant use with respect to safety and efficacy not established 1 |
|
Didanosine |
No change in nelfinavir concentrations when didanosine administered 1 hour before nelfinavir1 80 In vitro evidence of additive antiretroviral effects1 |
Administer didanosine (without food) 1 hour before or 2 hours after nelfinavir (with food)1 |
|
Efavirenz |
Increased concentrations and AUC of nelfinavir; decreased concentrations and AUC of efavirenz1 213 In vitro evidence of additive to synergistic antiretroviral effects1 |
Dosage adjustment not needed213 |
|
Emtricitabine |
In vitro evidence of additive to synergistic antiretroviral effects218 |
|
|
Enfuvirtide |
In vitro evidence of additive to synergistic antiretroviral effects223 |
|
|
Ergot alkaloids (dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine) |
Possibility of pharmacokinetic interaction; potential for serious or life-threatening reactions (e.g., acute ergot toxicity)1 |
Concomitant use contraindicated1 If treatment of uterine atony and excessive postpartum bleeding is indicated in a woman receiving nelfinavir, use methylergonovine maleate (Methergine) only if alternative treatments cannot be used and if potential benefits outweigh risks; use methylergonovine at lowest dosage and shortest duration possible202 |
|
Estrogens/Progestins |
Hormonal contraceptives: Decreased concentrations of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone1 |
Use alternative or concomitant nonhormonal contraceptive measures1 |
|
Etravirine |
Possible increased nelfinavir concentrations214 No in vitro evidence of antagonistic antiretroviral effects214 |
Do not use concomitantly without low-dose ritonavir214 |
|
Fosamprenavir |
Studies using amprenavir indicate concomitant use may affect pharmacokinetics of both drugs;205 concomitant use of ritonavir-boosted fosamprenavir with nelfinavir not evaluated205 In vitro evidence of additive antiretroviral effects205 |
Appropriate dosages for concomitant use with respect to safety and efficacy not established205 |
|
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) |
Atorvastatin, lovastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin: Increased concentrations of the statin, increased risk of statin-associated adverse effects, including myopathy and rhabdomyolysis1 |
Atorvastatin: Do not exceed atorvastatin dosage of 40 mg daily;1 carefully titrate atorvastatin dosage and use lowest necessary dosage1 Lovastatin: Concomitant use with nelfinavir contraindicated1 Simvastatin: Concomitant use contraindicated1 |
|
Immunosuppressive agents |
Cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus: Possible increased concentrations of nelfinavir and the immunosuppressive agents1 |
|
|
Indinavir |
Increased AUCs of both drugs1 80 In vitro evidence of antagonistic antiretroviral effects1 |
Appropriate dosages for concomitant use with respect to safety and efficacy not established 1 |
|
Lamivudine |
Increased lamivudine peak concentrations and AUC1 In vitro evidence of synergistic antiretroviral effects1 |
|
|
Lopinavir/ritonavir |
Decreased lopinavir concentrations and increased nelfinavir concentrations207 In vitro evidence of synergistic antiretroviral effects1 |
Once-daily lopinavir/ritonavir regimen not recommended with nelfinavir207 If used with nelfinavir in adults, recommended dosage of lopinavir/ritonavir tablets is lopinavir 500 mg/ritonavir 125 mg twice daily;207 alternatively, recommended dosage of lopinavir/ritonavir oral solution is lopinavir 553 mg/ritonavir 133 mg (6.5 mL) twice daily207 |
|
Macrolides (azithromycin) |
Increased azithromycin peak concentrations and AUC; no clinically important changes in nelfinavir pharmacokinetics1 |
Dosage adjustment not needed; monitor for azithromycin adverse effects (e.g., hepatic enzyme abnormalities, hearing impairment)1 |
|
Maraviroc |
No in vitro evidence of antagonistic antiretroviral effects224 |
Recommended dosage of maraviroc is 150 mg twice daily224 |
|
Methadone |
Monitor and titrate methadone dose if needed; consider need to increase methadone dosage1 30 200 |
|
|
Nevirapine |
No effect on nelfinavir peak concentrations or AUC;215 decreased nelfinavir trough concentrations and substantially decreased concentrations and AUC of major nelfinavir metabolite (M8)215 In vitro evidence of synergistic antiretroviral effects1 |
Appropriate dosages for concomitant use with respect to safety and efficacy not established1 215 |
|
Pimozide |
Pharmacokinetic interaction; potential for serious or life-threatening reactions (e.g., cardiac arrhythmias)1 |
Concomitant use contraindicated1 |
|
Proton-pump inhibitors |
Omeprazole: Decreased nelfinavir concentrations1 |
|
|
Rilpivirine |
Possible increased rilpivirine concentrations; not expected to affect nelfinavir concentrations226 No in vitro evidence of antagonistic antiretroviral effects 226 |
|
|
Ritonavir |
Increased nelfinavir concentrations;1 80 no change in ritonavir concentrations In vitro evidence of additive antiretroviral effects1 |
Appropriate dosages for concomitant use with respect to safety and efficacy not established 1 |
|
Salmeterol |
Increased salmeterol concentrations and increased risk of QT prolongation, palpitations, or sinus tachycardia1 |
Concomitant use not recommended1 |
|
Saquinavir |
Increased saquinavir concentrations and AUC and increased nelfinavir AUC1 80 In vitro evidence of additive antiretroviral effects1 |
Appropriate dosages for concomitant use with respect to safety and efficacy not established1 |
|
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
Decreased nelfinavir concentrations; possible loss of virologic response and increased risk of resistance to nelfinavir or other antiretrovirals164 165 |
Concomitant use contraindicated1 |
|
Sildenafil |
Increased sildenafil concentrations and increased risk of sildenafil-associated adverse effects (e.g., hypotension, visual disturbances, prolonged erection, syncope)1 |
Sildenafil (Revatio) for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): Concomitant use with nelfinavir contraindicated1 Sildenafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction: Do not exceed sildenafil dosage of 25 mg once every 48 hours; use caution and closely monitor for sildenafil-associated adverse effects (e.g., hypotension, syncope, visual disturbances, prolonged erection, syncope)1 |
|
Stavudine |
No effect on concentrations or AUC of either drug220 In vitro evidence of additive or synergistic antiretroviral effects1 |
|
|
Tadalafil |
Increased tadalafil concentrations and increased risk of tadalafil-associated adverse effects (e.g., hypotension, visual disturbances, prolonged erection, syncope)1 |
Tadalafil for treatment of PAH: Initiate or adjust tadalafil dosage to 20 mg once daily; based on individual tolerability, may increase tadalafil dosage to 40 mg once daily1 Tadalafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction: Do not exceed tadalafil dosage of 10 mg once every 72 hours; use caution and closely monitor for tadalafil-associated adverse effects (e.g., hypotension, syncope, visual disturbances, prolonged erection, syncope)1 Tadalafil for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Do not exceed tadalafil dosage of 2.5 mg once daily200 |
|
Tenofovir |
No effect on concentrations or AUC of either drug221 In vitro evidence of additive to synergistic antiretroviral effects1 221 |
|
|
Tipranavir |
In vitro evidence of additive to antagonistic antiretroviral effects211 |
|
|
Trazodone |
Possible increased trazodone concentrations1 |
Use with caution; consider using decreased trazodone dosage1 |
|
Vardenafil |
Increased vardenafil concentrations and increased risk of vardenafil-associated adverse effects (e.g., hypotension, visual disturbances, prolonged erection, syncope)1 |
Vardenafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction: Do not exceed vardenafil dosage of 2.5 mg once every 24 hours; use caution and closely monitor for vardenafil-associated adverse effects (e.g., hypotension, syncope, visual disturbances, prolonged erection, syncope)1 |
|
Warfarin |
Possible altered warfarin concentrations1 |
Carefully monitor INR1 |
|
Zidovudine |
Decreased zidovudine peak concentrations and AUC;1 222 no effect on nelfinavir concentrations222 In vitro evidence of synergistic antiretroviral effects1 |
Routine zidovudine dosage adjustments not warranted222 |
Nelfinavir Mesylate Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Well absorbed from GI tract; peak plasma concentrations attained within 2–4 hours when administered with food.4 8 80
Nelfinavir 625-mg tablets are not bioequivalent to the 250-mg tablets; AUC 24% higher with the 625-mg tablets (given with food) compared with the 250-mg tablets (given with food).1
Food
Presence of food in the GI tract substantially increases extent of absorption and decreases pharmacokinetic variability of the drug relative to the fasting state.1 80 Peak plasma concentration and AUC reportedly are 2–5 times greater when administered with a meal (125–1000 kcal with 20–50% fat) rather than under fasting conditions.1 80
Special Populations
Highly variable plasma concentrations reported in children;1 may be related to inconsistent food intake.1
Plasma concentrations attained in pregnant women are more variable during late pregnancy than those reported in nonpregnant adults; concentrations may be lower during second or third trimester than during postpartum period or in nonpregnant women.202 187
Plasma concentrations and AUC in individuals with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A) are similar to those in individuals with normal hepatic function.1 149 In those with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B), peak plasma concentrations and AUC are increased 22 and 62%, respectively.1 149 Pharmacokinetics not investigated in individuals with severe hepatic impairment.1
Distribution
Extent
Not fully characterized.1
Not detected in CSF in adults.150
Only minimal or low concentrations cross the human placenta and are distributed into cord blood.202
Low concentrations of nelfinavir and its active metabolite (M8) are distributed into human milk.168
Plasma Protein Binding
98%.1
Elimination
Metabolism
Metabolized by CYP3A and CYP2C19.1 80
The major metabolite (M8) has in vitro antiviral activity similar to that of nelfinavir.1
Elimination Route
Excreted principally in feces as unchanged drug and metabolites.1
Removed by hemodialysis;51 does not appear to be removed by peritoneal dialysis.160
Half-life
Special Populations
Children 2–13 years of age: Clearance is 2–3 times greater than in adults (weight-adjusted basis).80 124
Hepatic impairment: Mean elimination half-life 5.6 hours (range 2.3–13.7 hours) in mild impairment (Child-Pugh class B) and 10.3 hours (range 6.3–16.9 hours) in moderate impairment (Child-Pugh class C).149
Stability
Storage
Oral
Tablets
15–30°C.1
Actions and Spectrum
-
Pharmacologically related to other PIs (e.g., atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, tipranavir); differs structurally from these drugs and also differs pharmacologically and structurally from other currently available antiretrovirals.1 80
-
Active against HIV-1 and HIV-2.1 7 8 The major metabolite (M8) has antiviral activity similar to that of nelfinavir.1
-
Inhibits replication of HIV-1 and HIV-2 by interfering with HIV protease.1 2 3 4 7 92 120
-
HIV-1 with reduced susceptibility to nelfinavir have been selected in vitro and have emerged during therapy with the drug.1 7 9 80
-
Varying degrees of cross-resistance among PIs.1 4 11 13 14 209
-
Cross-resistance between nelfinavir and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) unlikely since the drugs have different target enzymes and mechanisms of action.1
Advice to Patients
-
Critical nature of compliance with HIV therapy and importance of remaining under the care of a clinician.1 Importance of taking as prescribed; do not alter or discontinue antiretroviral regimen without consulting clinician.1
-
Importance of using in conjunction with other antiretrovirals—not for monotherapy.1
-
Antiretroviral therapy is not a cure for HIV infection; opportunistic infections and other complications associated with HIV disease may still occur.1 Sustained decreases in plasma HIV RNA have been associated with reduced risk of progression to AIDS and death.1
-
Advise patients that effective antiretroviral regimens can decrease HIV concentrations in blood and genital secretions and strict adherence to such regimens in conjunction with risk-reduction measures may decrease, but cannot absolutely eliminate, the risk of secondary transmission of HIV to others.200 Importance of continuing to practice safer sex (e.g., using latex or polyurethane condoms to minimize sexual contact with body fluids), never sharing personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them (e.g., toothbrushes, razor blades), and never reusing or sharing needles.1 200
-
Importance of reading patient information provided by the manufacturer.1
-
Importance of taking with food.1
-
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered and the next dose taken at the regularly scheduled time.1 If a dose is skipped, do not administer a double dose to make up for the missed dose.1
-
Redistribution/accumulation of body fat may occur, with as yet unknown long-term health effects.1
-
Advise patients that diarrhea is the most frequent adverse effect and can usually be controlled with OTC drugs such as loperamide.1
-
Advise patients receiving selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (e.g., avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) that they may be at increased risk of PDE5 inhibitor-associated adverse effects (e.g., hypotension, visual changes, priapism) and that any symptoms should be promptly reported to clinician.1 188 Should not be used in patients receiving avanafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction188 or sildenafil for treatment of PAH.1
-
If using oral contraceptives, need for alternative or concomitant nonhormonal contraceptive measures.1
-
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs and dietary or herbal products.1
-
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.1 Advise HIV-infected women not to breast-feed.1
-
Importance of advising patients of other important precautionary information.1 (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
|
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Oral |
Tablets, film-coated |
250 mg (of nelfinavir) |
Viracept |
ViiV |
|
625 mg (of nelfinavir) |
Viracept |
ViiV |
Comparative Pricing
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 02/2013. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
Viracept 250MG Tablets (VIIV HEALTHCARE): 300/$731.06 or 900/$2,154.38
Disclaimer
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2013, Selected Revisions January 24, 2013. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
References
1. ViiV Healthcare. Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) tablets and oral powder prescribing information. Research Triangle Park, NC; 2012 Apr.
2. Longer M, Shetty B, Zamansky I et al. Preformulation studies of a novel HIV protease inhibitor, AG1343. J Pharm Sci. 1995; 84:1090-3. [PubMed 8537887]
3. Kaldor SW, Kalish VJ, davies JF et al. Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate, AG13430: a potent orally bioavailable inhibitor of HIV-1 protease. J Med Chem. 1997; 40:3979-85. [PubMed 9397180]
4. Moyle G, Gazzard B. Current knowledge and future prospects for the use of HIV protease inhibitors. Drugs. 1996; 51:701-12. [PubMed 8861542]
5. Vella S. Rationale and experience with reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol. 1995; 10(Suppl 1):S58-61.
7. Patick AK, Mo H, Markowitz M et al. Antiviral and resistance studies of AG1343, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus protease. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1996; 40:292-7. [PubMed 8834868]
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