What is the most important information I should know about nelfinavir?
A European version of nelfinavir was found to have high levels of an impurity known
to cause
cancer in animals. Nelfinavir in the U.S. was found to have lower levels of the impurity,
which is created during the manufacturing process but can be minimized.
It is not known whether this impurity has caused harm to anyone taking nelfinavir, and it
is important to keep treating your condition. Children and pregnant women should not take
nelfinavir as a "first-line" treatment until further notice. If you already take nelfinavir your doctor
may recommend that you keep taking it. Do not change any of your medications without your
doctor's advice.
Do not take nelfinavir with
amiodarone (Cordarone,
Pacerone),
quinidine
(Quinaglute, Quinidex),
cisapride (Propulsid),
pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed),
triazolam
(Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as
Ergomar,
Cafergot,
Wigraine, D.H.E. 45,
Migranal, or
Methergine. These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are
taking nelfinavir.
There are many other medicines that can interact with nelfinavir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This
includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you
use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
Taking nelfinavir will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through
unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing
HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine
needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.
What is nelfinavir?
Nelfinavir is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease
(PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. Nelfinavir prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from
multiplying in your body.
Nelfinavir is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS). Nelfinavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Nelfinavir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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