Nelfinavir
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From MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Dosing in kidney impairment
Renal Impairment The safety and efficacy of VIRACEPT have not been established in patients with renal impairment.
Dosing in liver impairment
Hepatic Impairment VIRACEPT can be used in patients with mild hepatic impairment without any dose adjustment. VIRACEPT should not be used in patients with either moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions , Use in Specific Populations , and Clinical Pharmacology ] .
Preparation and administration
Method of Administration For Patients Unable to Swallow Viracept Tablets
Place VIRACEPT tablet(s) in small amount of water.
Once dissolved, mix the cloudy liquid well, and consume it immediately.
The glass should be rinsed with water and the rinse swallowed to ensure the entire dose is consumed. Viracept Oral Powder
Mix VIRACEPT Oral Powder with a small amount of water, milk, formula, soy formula, soy milk, or dietary supplements
Once mixed, the entire contents must be consumed in order to obtain the full dose.
If the mixture is not consumed immediately, it must be stored under refrigeration, but storage must not exceed 6 hours.
Acidic food or juice (e.g., orange juice, apple juice, or apple sauce) are not recommended for mixing VIRACEPT Oral Powder because the combination may result in a bitter taste.
VIRACEPT Oral Powder should not be reconstituted with water in its original container.
Drug interactions
Check nelfinavir against a medication listLabel text (16 paragraphs)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Coadministration of VIRACEPT with other drugs ( CYP3A substrates) can alter the concentration of these other drugs , and other drugs (inhibitors and/or inducers of CYP3A or CYP2C19) may alter the concentrations of nelfinavir. The potential drug-drug concentrations must be considered prior to and during therapy ( 4 , 7 , 12.3 ) • VIRACEPT should be given with food one hour after or more than 2 hours before didanosine ( 7 )
7.1 Potential for VIRACEPT to Affect Other Drugs Nelfinavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A. Coadministration of VIRACEPT and drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A (e.g., dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, immunosuppressants, and PDE5 inhibitors) may result in increased plasma concentrations of such drugs that could increase or prolong both its therapeutic and adverse effects (see Tables 3 and 6 ).
7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect VIRACEPT Nelfinavir is metabolized by CYP3A and CYP2C19. Coadministration of VIRACEPT and drugs that induce CYP3A or CYP2C19, such as rifampin, may decrease nelfinavir plasma concentrations and reduce its therapeutic effect. Coadministration of VIRACEPT and drugs that inhibit CYP3A or CYP2C19 may increase nelfinavir plasma concentrations.
7.3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Table 6 provides the effect on concentrations of VIRACEPT or concomitant drug as a result of coadministration with VIRACEPT. These recommendations are based on either drug interaction studies or predicted interactions due to the expected magnitude of interaction and potential for serious adverse events or loss of efficacy.
Table 6: Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Alteration in Dose or Regimen May Be Recommended Based on Drug Interaction Studies [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ( Tables 12 and 13 ) for magnitude of interaction] Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration Clinical Comment HIV Antiviral Agents: Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Delavirdine ↑ nelfinavir (C min ) ↓ delavirdine Concentrations of nelfinavir were increased while concentrations of delavirdine were decreased when the two agents were coadministered. Appropriate doses of the combination, with respect to safety and efficacy, have not been established.
Nevirapine ↓ nelfinavir (C min ) Concentrations of nelfinavir were decreased when coadministered with nevirapine. An appropriate dose of nelfinavir with respect to safety and efficacy has not been established. Didanosine ↔ nelfinavir There was no change in nelfinavir concentration when coadministered with didanosine. However, it is recommended that didanosine be administered on an empty stomach; therefore, didanosine should be given one hour before or two hours after VIRACEPT (given with food). HIV Antiviral Agents: Protease Inhibitors Indinavir ↑ nelfinavir ↑ indinavir Concentrations of both indinavir and nelfinavir were increased when the two agents were coadministered.
Appropriate doses for these combinations, with respect to safety and efficacy, have not been established. Ritonavir ↑ nelfinavir ↔ ritonavir Concentrations of nelfinavir were increased when coadministered with ritonavir. An appropriate dose of nelfinavir for this combination, with respect to safety and efficacy, has not been established. Saquinavir ↑ nelfinavir ↑ saquinavir Concentrations of both saquinavir and nelfinavir were increased when the two agents were coadministered. Appropriate doses for these combinations, with respect to safety and efficacy, have not been established.
ANTICOAGULANT Warfarin Warfarin Coadministration of warfarin and VIRACEPT may affect concentrations of warfarin. It is recommended that the INR (international normalized ratio) be monitored carefully during treatment with VIRACEPT, especially when commencing therapy. ANTICONVULSANTS Carbamazepine Phenobarbital Phenytoin ↓ nelfinavir ↓ phenytoin Concentrations of nelfinavir may be decreased. VIRACEPT may not be effective due to decreased nelfinavir plasma concentrations in patients taking these agents concomitantly. Phenytoin plasma/serum concentrations should be monitored; phenytoin dose may require adjustment to compensate for altered phenytoin concentration.
ANTIDEPRESSANT Trazodone ↑ trazodone Concomitant use of trazodone and VIRACEPT may increase plasma concentrations of trazodone. Adverse events of nausea, dizziness, hypotension and syncope have been observed following coadministration of trazodone and ritonavir. If trazodone is used with a CYP3A4 inhibitor such as VIRACEPT, the combination should be used with caution and a lower dose of trazodone should be considered. ANTIGOUT Colchicine ↑ colchicines Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with VIRACEPT due to the risk of colchicine toxicity.
Treatment of gout flares – co- administration of colchicine in patients on VIRACEPT: 0.6 mg (1 tablet) × 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (half tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Prophylaxis of gout-flares – coadministration of colchicine in patients on VIRACEPT: If the original colchicine regimen was 0.6 mg twice a day, the regimen should be adjusted to 0.3 mg once a day. If the original colchicine regimen was 0.6 mg once a day, the regimen should be adjusted to 0.3 mg once every other day. Treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)– coadministration of colchicine in patients on VIRACEPT: Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day).
ANTIMYCOBACTERIAL Rifabutin ↑ rifabutin ↓ nelfinavir (750 mg TID) ↔ nelfinavir (1250 mg BID) It is recommended that the dose of rifabutin be reduced to one-half the usual dose when administered with VIRACEPT; 1250 mg BID is the preferred dose of VIRACEPT when coadministered with rifabutin. ENDOTHELIN RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST Bosentan ↑ bosentan Concentrations of bosentan may be increased when coadministered with VIRACEPT. Coadministration of bosentan in patients on VIRACEPT or coadministration of VIRACEPT in patients on bosentan: Start at or adjust bosentan to 62.5 mg once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability.
HMG-CoA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS Atorvastatin Rosuvastatin ↑ atorvastatin ↑ rosuvastatin Titrate atorvastatin dose carefully and use the lowest necessary dose; do not exceed atorvastatin 40 mg/day. IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS Cyclosporine Tacrolimus Sirolimus ↑ immuno-suppressants ↑ nelfinavir Concentrations of these immunosuppressants and nelfinavir may be increased by coadministration of these agents with nelfinavir. INHALED BETA AGONIST Salmeterol ↑ salmeterol Concurrent administration of salmeterol with VIRACEPT is not recommended. The combination may result in increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with salmeterol, including QT prolongation, palpitations and sinus tachycardia.
INHALED/NASAL STEROID Fluticasone ↑ fluticasone Concomitant use of fluticasone propionate and VIRACEPT may increase plasma concentrations of fluticasone propionate. Use with caution. Consider alternatives to fluticasone propionate, particularly for long-term use. MACROLIDE ANTIBIOTIC Azithromycin ↑ azithromycin Dose adjustment of azithromycin is not recommended, but close monitoring for known side effects such as liver enzyme abnormalities and hearing impairment is warranted. NARCOTIC ANALGESIC Methadone ↓ methadone Concentrations of methadone were decreased when coadministered with VIRACEPT. Dosage of methadone may need to be increased when coadministered with VIRACEPT.
HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES Ethinyl estradiol Norethindrone ↓ ethinyl estradiol ↓ norethindrone Concentrations of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone were decreased when coadministered with VIRACEPT. Alternative or additional contraceptive measures should be used when oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol or norethindrone and VIRACEPT are coadministered. PDE5 INHIBITORS Sildenafil Vardenafil Tadalafil ↑ PDE5 Inhibitors Concomitant use of PDE5 inhibitors and VIRACEPT should be undertaken with caution. May result in an increase in PDE5 inhibitor-associated adverse events, including hypotension, syncope, visual disturbances, and priapism.
Use of PDE5 inhibitors for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): • Use of sildenafil (REVATIO) is contraindicated when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) [see Contraindications (4) ] . • The following dose adjustments are recommended for use of tadalafil (ADCIRCA™) with VIRACEPT: Coadministration of ADCIRCA in patients on VIRACEPT or coadministration of VIRACEPT in patients on ADCIRCA: Start at or adjust ADCIRCA to 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based upon individual tolerability.
Use of PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction: Sildenafil at a single dose not exceeding 25 mg in 48 hours, vardenafil at a single dose not exceeding 2.5 mg in 24 hours, or tadalafil at a single dose not exceeding 10 mg dose in 72 hours, is recommended. Use with increased…
Contraindications
Coadministration of VIRACEPT is contraindicated with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events. These drugs and other contraindicated drugs (which may lead to reduced efficacy of nelfinavir) are listed in Table 3 [also see Drug Interactions (7) , Table 6 ] . Table 3: Drugs That Are Contraindicated With VIRACEPT Drug Class Drugs Within Class That Are Contraindicated With VIRACEPT Clinical Comment Alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist Alfuzosin Potentially increased alfuzosin concentrations can result in hypotension.
Antiarrhythmics Amiodarone, quinidine Potential for serious and/or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Antimycobacterial Agents Rifampin Plasma concentrations of nelfinavir can be reduced by concomitant use of rifampin. This may lead to loss of therapeutic effect and possible development of resistance to VIRACEPT or other coadministered antiretroviral agents. Antipsychotics Lurasidone Pimozide Potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions. Potential for serious and/or life threatening reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Ergot Derivatives Dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine Potential for serious and/or life threatening reactions such as ergot toxicity characterized by peripheral vasospasm and ischemia of the extremities and other tissues. GI Motility Agent Cisapride Potential for serious and/or life threatening reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias. Herbal products St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) Plasma concentrations of nelfinavir can be reduced by concomitant use of the herbal preparation St. John's wort. This may lead to loss of therapeutic effect and possible development of resistance to VIRACEPT or other coadministered antiretroviral agents.
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors Lovastatin, Simvastatin Potential for serious reactions such as myopathy including rhabdomyolysis. PDE5 Inhibitors Sildenafil (Revatio ® ) [for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension] See Drug Interactions , Table 6 for coadministration of sildenafil and tadalafil when dosed for erectile dysfunction. A safe and effective dose has…
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to VIRACEPT during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263. Risk Summary Published reports of hepatic adverse events ranging from elevated liver enzymes to hepatic failure in pregnant patients exposed to nelfinavir have been reported (see Clinical Considerations ).
Due to VIRACEPT's overall adverse event profile, including hepatic adverse events, and literature reports of decreased exposures in second and third trimesters, consider alternative antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy. Available data from the APR suggests a statistically significant increase in overall risks of major birth defects with first trimester exposure with nelfinavir (3.9%) when compared with the background rate of 2.7% in one U.S. reference population (the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program [MACDP]), but the risk is similar to the background rate of 4.2% reported in another U.S. reference population (the Texas Birth Defects Registry [TBDR]).
No pattern of defects was identified by the APR. The clinical relevance of this statistical finding is uncertain (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20% respectively.
In animal reproductive studies, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed when nelfinavir was administered orally to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at systemic exposures similar to or less than human exposure (based on AUC) at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively (see Data ) . Clinical Considerations Maternal Adverse Reactions There have been reports of hepatic adverse events ranging from elevated liver enzymes to hepatic failure in pregnant patients receiving nelfinavir as part of combination treatment of HIV-1 infection. Consider alternative antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy.
If VIRACEPT is used during pregnancy, clinical monitoring is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . Data Human Data Based on prospective reports to the APR of over 1,200 live births following first trimester and over 2,700 live births following second and third trimester exposure to nelfinavir-containing regimens, there…
For breastfeeding, also see LactMed (National Library of Medicine), which summarizes milk levels and infant effects.
Supply and cost
Drug shortage status
Recalls (last 24 months)
Therapeutic equivalence (Orange Book)
Price ladder
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