Viracept (Nelfinavir Mesylate) and/or alternatives

General Information on Viracept

Viracept is an antiretroviral drug which combats the immunodeficiency virus. The active drug in Viracept is Nelfinavir, a type of protease inhibitor (PI) used to treat HIV and AIDS by preventing HIV infected cells from producing new cells. The inhibitor blocks the protease enzyme in the body, which in turn stops the virus from multiplying. This slows down the spread of the infection. Viracept is combined with antiviral medicines and then administered. This drug has been in use since 1997 and has had considerable success in slowing down immune system damage due to HIV and helps in preventing AIDS associated diseases and infections.

Side Effects of Using Viracept

A common side effect of using Viracept is diarrhea. This is by far the most serious side effect. Another problem which arises due to this medication is that the body fat levels, including cholesterol and triglycerides, are increased. The shape of the body changes abnormally, and the fat gets deposited around the abdomen, breasts, and the nape. However, loss of weight is also observed in the face, arms, and legs.

Other short term effects such as loss of appetite, headache, mood swings, nausea, and vomiting are also possible, but these side effects often disappear within a few weeks of using the medicine regularly.

Viracept Precautions

Viracept patients are warned about the constituent ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), a possible carcinogen. However, the risk of getting cancer by using Viracept is low, and the benefits of using this drug are far greater than the possibility of getting cancer.

The powder form of this medicine contains phenylalanine. Phenylalanine intake needs to be regulated for those suffering from phenylketonuria, and these patients should inform their doctors about their condition. Regular intake of Nelfinavir can cause high blood sugar and also severely affect those with hemophilia.

This drug is cleared from the body by the liver. If you suffer from liver disease, it is better to let your doctor know about it. Also, even though Viracept does not affect unborn children, HIV is still passed on from the mother to the fetus if left untreated; this is therefore a cause for concern.

Viracept Dosage

This is a prescription-only drug and should be taken strictly according to the doctor’s instructions. For patients more than 13 years of age, the commonly recommended dosage is Viracept 1250mg or Viracept 750mg. The dosage is dependent on the age and weight of the patient. The drug is usually available as a capsule, but there is a powder form of the medicine that can be mixed with milk and consumed.

Interactions

Nelfinavir present in this medicine interacts with many other medicines. Antibiotics such as Azithromycin, Rifampin, and Rifabutin have interactions with Viracept. Other medicines include arrhythmia medicines, proton pump inhibitors, ergot medicines, seizure medications, and other protease inhibitors. Since it renders contraceptive pills less effective, any patient taking Viracept should switch to non-hormonal methods of birth control.

You can buy Viracept only with a medical prescription as its intake without medical supervision can give rise to some complications. It is only up to a doctor to diagnose and prescribe this medicine, and it should not be used at the patient’s discretion.

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