When your doctor prescribes a new medication to treat your HIV condition, it's normal to have a lot of questions about it. Especially if it comes in a pill form, you may be wondering things like, "How exactly do I take this?" and "What are the possible side effects?" Don't worry. Today, we're going to talk about everything you need to know about the HIV drug nelfinavir.
What is Nelfinavir?
Simply put, Nelfinavir is an antiretroviral drug . It is used to treat HIV infection. Most of the time, this drug is not given alone. It is given to you in combination with several other drugs that are used to control the HIV virus.
The important thing is that this medicine does not cure HIV completely. However, it does control the activity of the HIV virus in your body and reduce the number of viruses that multiply. This protects your immune system and helps you live a healthy life.
Also, when used correctly, this medicine can reduce the risk of spreading HIV to someone else. But it is important to remember that the risk will not be completely eliminated.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing Nelfinavir. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Health condition or opportunity | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine can increase blood sugar levels. |
| Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia | The risk of bleeding may increase. |
| Liver disease | The process of removing the medicine from the body may be affected. |
| Phenylketonuria (PKU) | This medicine may contain phenylalanine. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to nelfinavir or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the safety of this medication during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | Breastfeeding is generally not recommended for HIV-infected mothers. Talk to your doctor about this. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this is a powder, it is very important to know exactly how to use it.
1. Take with food: This medicine should definitely be taken with a meal . Do not take on an empty stomach.
2. Measure the dose: Only measure the powder using the special scoop provided with the medicine bottle. Do not use regular teaspoons at home, as they are not accurate.
3. Mixing method: Place the measured amount of powder in a separate cup, add a little water, milk, powdered milk, soy milk, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, etc., and mix well.
4. Do not mix with these things: Never mix with acidic foods and drinks like orange juice, apple juice, or applesauce. Doing so may give the medicine a bitter taste.
5. Drink immediately: Drink the entire mixture immediately after mixing. This will ensure that the body receives the full dose. If it is in the refrigerator in an emergency, it can be used within 6 hours. But never heat it.
6. Take it on time: Take the medicine at the exact time prescribed by the doctor, at the prescribed intervals.
7. Don't skip doses: This is the most important thing. Even if you feel well, never skip a dose of the medicine or stop taking it without your doctor's advice. Skipping doses can cause the HIV virus to become resistant to this medicine and even other medicines. This means that the medicine may not work as well in the future.
What if the medicine spoon is lost?
If you lose the spoon provided, you can use a measuring teaspoon. One level teaspoon is equal to four scoops of the provided spoon.
When given to small children
This medicine can be prescribed even to children over the age of 2. However, it is up to your pediatrician to decide. Follow his instructions exactly.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Nelfinavir is a drug that can interact with many other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements.
| Do not take nelfinavir with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Drug category | Examples |
| Medicines for heart disease | Amiodarone, Quinidine, Ranolazine, Eplerenone |
| Cholesterol-lowering drugs | Lovastatin, Simvastatin, Red yeast rice |
| Migraine medications | Dihydroergotamine, Ergotamine |
| Mental illness and tranquilizers | Pimozide, Lurasidone, Midazolam, Triazolam |
| Other | Cisapride, Omeprazole, Rifampin, Rifapentine, St. John's wort |
| If you are taking this medication, be sure to talk to your doctor. | |
| Other HIV medications | Other antiviral drugs |
| Birth control pills/patches | These may reduce their effectiveness. |
| Antibiotics and antifungals | Azithromycin, Rifabutin |
| Other | Fluticasone, Methadone, Trazodone, epilepsy medication, erectile dysfunction medication (Sildenafil), other cholesterol medications (Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin) |
Things to consider when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: Visit your doctor at regular intervals while taking this medication. He or she can perform necessary blood tests to monitor how the medication is affecting your body.
- Birth control: If you are a woman using birth control pills, the effectiveness of birth control pills may be reduced while taking this medication. So be sure to use an additional form of birth control, such as condoms . Talk to your doctor about it.
- Blood sugar levels: This medication may increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if you need to make any changes to your diet or diabetes medications.
- Cancer risk: There is some evidence that a chemical in this medicine may slightly increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, pregnant women and children may be prescribed a different HIV medicine. Tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, nelfinavir can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| 🚨 If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Feeling of difficulty breathing. |
| Fever | If you have a fever for no reason. |
| Symptoms of high blood sugar | Increased thirst, hunger, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| 🙂 If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Stomach ache | Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloating. |
| Body changes | Fat accumulation in the waist and back, and thinning of the face, arms, and legs. |
| Other | Minor skin lesions, unusual tiredness. |
Take-Home Message
- Nelfinavir is a drug that controls HIV, not a cure.
- This medicine should be taken with food . Do not take on an empty stomach.
- Do not mix with acidic fruit juices such as orange and apple.
- Do not skip any doses of medication for any reason, and do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and Ayurvedic medicines).
- If you are taking birth control pills, use an extra protective method, such as a condom .
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others. Always discuss your questions and concerns with your doctor.
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