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Fosamprenavir is a protease inhibitor type of antiviral medication. It is used in combination with other drugs to treat human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). Once in the body, fosamprenavir is converted into amprenavir. The medication works by slowing the growth of the virus. Lexiva is not a cure for HIV and does not prevent the passing of HIV to others.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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lexiva
Uses
Fosamprenavir is a protease inhibitor type of antiviral medication. It is used in combination with other drugs to treat human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). Once in the body, fosamprenavir is converted into amprenavir. The medication works by slowing the growth of the virus. Lexiva is not a cure for HIV and does not prevent the passing of HIV to others.
Storage
- Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Photos
LEXIVA |
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Lexiva, Fosamprenavir calcium, side |
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Drugs at a Glance: Lexiva |
Lexiva tablets are light pink in |
The standard dose of Lexiva is two |
How To Use
- Take Lexiva by mouth, usually once or twice daily with or without food.
- Fosamprenavir is usually taken once a day in patients who have never taken protease inhibitors to treat HIV before.
- If you have taken other protease inhibitors in the past, Lexiva should be taken twice a day.
- If you are not sure if you have taken other protease inhibitors in the past or if you have any questions about how often to take Lexiva, check with your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- Because fosamprenavir is converted by the body into amprenavir, you should not take Lexiva if you are already taking amprenavir.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
- If you take antacids or didanosine, take them at least one hour before or after taking fosamprenavir.
- Taking antacids or didanosine at the same time as fosamprenavir decreases the amount of amprenavir (active form of Lexiva) in your bloodstream.
- Use Lexiva regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
- Do not take more or less of Lexiva than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) unless directed to do so by your doctor.
- Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist and ask questions if any of the information is unclear.
Side Effects
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, and stomach/abdominal pain may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: skin rash.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual increase in thirst or urination, mental/mood changes, numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
- Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking Lexiva (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs).
- The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown.
- Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect.
- A serious allergic reaction to Lexiva is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: severe rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using Lexiva, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, diabetes, high blood cholesterol or fats (lipids), blood disorders (hemophilia), any allergies (especially to sulfa drugs).
- Lexiva should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is not known whether Lexiva passes into breast milk.
- Avoid breast-feeding because breast milk can transmit HIV.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- If it is within 2 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- It is important not to miss doses of Lexiva.
Drug Interactions
- Lexiva should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: artemether-lumefantrine, astemizole, bepridil, cisapride, delavirdine, ergot drugs (e.g., dihydroergotamine, ergotamine), flecainide, midazolam, pimozide, propafenone, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), certain statin drugs for cholesterol (lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin), St John s wort, terfenadine, triazolam.
- If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting fosamprenavir.
- Before using Lexiva, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other anti-HIV drugs (such as amprenavir, efavirenz, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, saquinavir), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam), azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil), dexamethasone, drugs to treat erectile dysfunction (phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as sildenafil, vardenafil), erythromycin, drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus, rapamycin), drugs for irregular heartbeat (e.g., amiodarone, IV lidocaine, quinidine), garlic supplements, methadone, anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), anti-ulcer medicines (e.g., H2 blockers such as ranitidine, cimetidine, PPIs such as omeprazole, lansoprazole), warfarin.
- Lexiva may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills.
- This can result in pregnancy.
- You should use an alternative form of reliable birth control while using Lexiva.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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