Nelfinavir
Description
Nelfinavir is an antiviral agent which helps in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It doses not cure the disease but can reduce the chances of infections. Monitoring of liver function and blood glucose levels is necessary while receiving this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Nelfinavir
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Increase in blood glucose level
- Decrease in white blood cells and platelets
- Itchy and dry skin
- Headache
- Weakness
- Flatulence
- Accumulation of body fat
Uses of Nelfinavir
What is it prescribed for?
- HIV infection
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThis medicine is well absorbed from the Gastro-intestinal tract and reaches its peak levels in the body within 2 to 4 hours of administration.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 3.5 to 5 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is recommended in pregnant women only if necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
Allergy
Not recommended in patients with a known allergy to Nelfinavir.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is recommended in pregnant women only if necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
General warnings
Bleeding disorder
Nelfinavir should be used with caution in patients with bleeding disorders like Hemophilia A or B. Inform the doctor if any unusual symptoms appear. The dose of the medicine should be adjusted based on the clinical condition.
Diabetes
Nelfinavir may alter the blood glucose levels and also increases the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary while receiving this medicine.
Fat Redistribution
Nelfinavir may accumulate fat in the body and cause peripheral wasting, facial wasting, breast enlargement, and cushingoid appearance. Close monitoring of body weight is necessary. Any changes in the body should be informed to the doctor.
Infections
Nelfinavir may suppress the immune response of the body and increase the risk of infections. Any signs and symptoms of infection should be informed to the doctor. Appropriate treatment should be initiated based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
The missed dose should be taken as soon as one remembers. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, then one should skip the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Amlodipine
Erythromycin
Antidiabetic medicines
Atorvastatin
Disease interactions
Liver Disease
Nelfinavir should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. The liver function should be assessed before initiating the treatment. The dose should be adjusted based on the severity of liver disease.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Nelfinavir as instructed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller quantities than recommended. Ensure that proper hygiene measures are adopted and complete the course of treatment to prevent the spread of the infection. Close monitoring of liver function and blood glucose levels is necessary while receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by decreasing the viral load in the body and reduced the chances of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other HIV-related illnesses.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Protease inhibitors
Schedule
Schedule H
Nelfinavir - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 13 June 2017]. Available from:
Nelfinavir: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 13 June 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - nelfinavir mesylate tablet, film coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 13 June 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 13 June 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 13 June 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 22 Jan 2020
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.