Indications 

Viracept is a prescription medicine used along with other antiretroviral agents to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.  

Classified as a protease inhibitor, Viracept works by reducing HIV levels in the bloodstream. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before starting treatment with Viracept and with every prescription refill, carefully review the medication guide and patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have queries or concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance. 

Viracept dosage may vary per individual based on their weight, liver function, medical condition, concurrent medications, and treatment response. 

Typically, Viracept is taken two to three times a day with a meal as prescribed by the doctor. 

For patients who cannot swallow Viracept tablets, follow these steps: 

1. Put the tablet(s) in a glass and dissolve them in a small quantity of water. 
2. After complete dissolution, thoroughly stir the cloudy liquid and consume it promptly. 
3. Rinse the glass with water and swallow the rinse to ensure the entire dose is taken. 

To achieve the best outcomes, ensure to take this medication at evenly spaced times, preferably around the same time every day. 

Adhere to your doctor’s instructions and take Viracept (as well as other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed. Avoid altering the prescribed dosage or discontinuing the medication unless specifically instructed by your doctor. 

Unauthorized modifications to your treatment plan may result in heightened viral activity, rendering the infection more challenging to manage and intensifying any associated adverse effects. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Viracept. Immediately notify your doctor if any of these symptoms last or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Nausea, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain 
• Loss of appetite 
• Rash 
• Changes in body fat distribution, particularly in arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist 

Serious Side Effects 

• Indications of low white blood cell counts:  
  • Fever 
  • Mouth sores 
  • Skin sores 
  • Sore throat 
  • Cough 
• Signs of high blood sugar:  
  • Increased thirst 
  • Increased urination 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Fruity breath odor 
• Symptoms of hemophilia:  
  • Easy bruising 
  • Unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum) 
  • Purple or red pinpoint spots under the skin 

Call your doctor right away if any of the serious side effects above are experienced. 

Viracept may affect the immune system (even weeks or months post-treatment). Inform your doctor if you experience: 

• Signs of a new infection:  
  • Fever 
  • Night sweats 
  • Swollen glands 
  • Cold sores 
  • Cough 
  • Wheezing 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Weight loss 
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing, issues with balance or eye movement, weakness, or a tingling sensation 
• Swelling in the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), alterations in menstrual patterns, or impotence 

Allergic Reactions 

In rare cases, Viracept may trigger a serious allergic response. Promptly seek medical assistance if you observe any indications of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Hives 
• Swelling, particularly in the face, lips, tongue, or throat 
• Difficulty breathing 

Not all side effects of Viracept are included in this list. Notify your doctor of any additional side effects that may occur. 

Cautions 

Before starting Viracept treatment, notify your doctor of any existing allergies, specifically towards nelfinavir. 

Consult your pharmacist for more details about Viracept, as it may contain inactive ingredients that may lead to allergic reactions or other complications. 

To ensure Viracept is safe for you, disclose to your doctor your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Diabetes 
• Heart conditions (coronary artery disease, heart attack) 
• Lipid disorders (high cholesterol or triglycerides/fats) 
• Hemophilia 
• Liver disorders 

Some products may interact with Viracept, including orlistat and specific stomach acid-reducing medications (proton pump inhibitors like lansoprazole and omeprazole). To minimize the risk of such drug interactions, inform your healthcare providers about all your medications, including prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

Viracept can impede the elimination of other medications from your system, potentially affecting their efficacy. Such drugs that may be affected include: 

• Alfuzosin 
• Specific antiarrhythmics (amiodarone, quinidine) 
• Asunaprevir 
• Certain benzodiazepines (midazolam, triazolam) 
• Domperidone 
• Eletriptan 
• Eplerenone 
• Ergot alkaloids (such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine) 
• Isavuconazonium 
• Lurasidone 
• Naloxegol 
• Pimozide 
• Ranolazine 
• Regorafenib 
• Tacrolimus 
• Erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension medicine (such as sildenafil, vardenafil) 
• Salmeterol 
• Specific “statin” cholesterol drugs (lovastatin, simvastatin) 
• Suvorexant 

Other medications can influence the elimination of nelfinavir from your system, potentially affecting the effectiveness of Viracept. Examples include: 

• Apalutamide 
• Specific anti-seizure medications (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone) 
• Rifampin 
• St. John’s wort 

Taking Viracept does not eliminate the risk of transmitting HIV to others. Avoid unprotected sex and refrain from sharing razors or toothbrushes. Consult your doctor for guidance on safe practices to prevent HIV transmission during sexual activity. Moreover, never share drugs or medicine needles, as it is never safe, even for individuals in good health. 

Viracept may reduce the efficacy of hormonal birth control methods like pills, patches, or rings, potentially leading to pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider regarding alternative, reliable birth control options and employ an efficient barrier method (such as latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity to minimize the risk of HIV transmission.  

Notify your doctor if you experience new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, as these could indicate reduced effectiveness of your hormonal birth control. 

Inform your healthcare provider of your pregnancy status prior to starting Viracept. Treatment can reduce the likelihood of transmitting HIV to your child. Have a thorough discussion with your doctor regarding the potential advantages and risks of this medication when taken during pregnancy. 

The transfer of nelfinavir into breast milk is uncertain. However, due to the potential risk of HIV transmission through breast milk, breastfeeding while taking this medication is not recommended.