Nelfinavir is used together with other medicines to treat of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection which can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. It only helps to keep the virus in check and can help improve the quality of life. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Take Nelfinavir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be taken with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Nelfinavir is available as a tablet or oral powder for oral solution.
If you are taking tablets, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are unable to swallow the tablet you may dissolve it with a small amount of water and consume immediately. Make sure to rinse the glass with water and drink it to ensure the entire dose is taken.
If you are taking oral powder for oral solution, mix it with a small amount of water, milk, soy formula, soy milk, or dietary supplements. Do not mix it with acidic food or juice such as orange juice, apple juice or apple sauce.
Nelfinavir must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue to take this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction (breathlessness, rashes, swollen eyes) to similar antiviral medications.
Do not take Nelfinavir with medicines for TB, sleep disorder, heart disease, high cholesterol levels, migraine, stomach problem, urinary problems, allergy and mood disorder. Please see section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following:
- blood disorder
- liver disease
- diabetes
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have HIV, it is best that you do not breastfeed as HIV passes into the breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding in order to reduce the risk of passing HIV to your baby. It is recommended to give your baby commercial infant formula provided that you have access to clean water and facilities.
This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It only helps to slow down the development of HIV infection.
Nelfinavir does not reduce your risk of passing the HIV infection to others through sexual contact or through contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading HIV to others.
This medicine may weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick to minimise the risk of catching an infection. Always keep your doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed check-ups.
While being treated with Nelfinavir, you will need to have regular blood tests. These blood tests help your doctor to monitor your condition and the health of your liver. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these blood tests.
Nelfinavir may include any of the following side effects: nausea, stomach wind, diarrhoea, stomach pain and headache.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual weight gain, extra fat appearing around your neck or breast enlargement
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- rashes accompanied with joint pain or stiffness, throat tightness, and itching
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Nelfinavir with the following medicines:
- medicines for sleep disorder e.g. midazolam, triazolam
- medicines for heart disease e.g. amiodarone, quinidine
- medicines for high cholesterol levels e.g. lovastatin, simvastatin
- medicines for migraine e.g. ergotamine, ergometrine
- medicines for stomach e.g. cisapride
- medicines for allergy e.g. terfinadine, astemizole
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. pimozide
- medicines for TB e.g. rifampicin
- medicines to treat urinary problems e.g. alfuzosin
- St John's wort (herbal medicine)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines to treat viral infections e.g. indinavir, ritonavir
- medicines for epilepsy (seizures or fits) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole
- omeprazole (medicine to neutralise stomach acid)
- warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine)
- colchicine (gout medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Nelfinavir.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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