Nelvir

Introduction
Nelvir is an antiviral or antiretroviral medicine. It is used in the treatment of HIV infection. It stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection. Nelvir should be taken with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body. You should take it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. Do not stop taking it until you have finished the complete course, even when you feel better. If you stop taking this medicine too early then infection may return or worsen. Some people may experience headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as side effects of this medicine. Please consult your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes as it can increase sugar levels in the blood. Before using it, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any antibiotics or have any kidney or liver problems. You should also let your doctor know all other medicines you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by this medicine. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using it. Your doctor may monitor your liver function while taking this medication.

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Uses of Nelvir
HIV infection
Side effects of Nelvir
Common
Rash
Headache
Dizziness
Vomiting
Crystals in urine
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Indigestion
Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
Throat pain
Increased liver enzymes
Diarrhea
Blood in urine
Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand)
Cough
Taste change
Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
Increased triglyceride level in blood
Protein in urine
How to use Nelvir
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Nelvir is to be taken with food.
How Nelvir works
Nelvir is an anti-HIV medication. It works by interfering with an enzyme (protease), which is required by HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. This stops the production of new viruses.
Quick Tips
Nelvir should be taken with food.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.
Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, loss of appetite darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Brief Description
Indication
HIV infection
Administration
Should be taken with food.
Adult Dose
Oral HIV infection Adult: Combined with other antiretrovirals: 1.25 g bid or 0.75 g tid. Hepatic Impairment Mild impairment (Child-Pugh class A): Dose adjustment not necessary Severe impairment (Child-Pugh Class B or C): Not recommended

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Child Dose
Oral HIV infection Child: Combined with other antiretrovirals: 2-13 yr: 45-55 mg/kg bid or 25-35 mg/kg tid. Max: 0.75 g tid. Max Dosage: Child: 0.75 g tid.

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Renal Dose
Renal Impairment Dose adjustment not necessary

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Contraindication
Hypersensitivity; lactation.
Mode of Action
Nelfinavir is a selective, competitive, reversible HIV protease inhibitor. It inhibits HIV-1 protease preventing the cleavage of the gag-pol polyprotein resulting in the production of noninfectious virus.
Precaution
Pregnancy. Hepatic and renal impairment; haemophilia A or B; diabetes. Monitor for signs of lipodystrophy. Lactation: HIV+ women are advised not to breastfeed

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Side Effect
>10% Diarrhea (14-20%) 1-10% Nausea (3-7%),Flatulence (1-5%),Abdominal pain (1%),Anemia (1%),Allergic reaction (1%),Impaired concentration (1%),Lipodystrophy (1%),Metabolic acidosis (1%),Rash (1-3%),Leukopenia (1%),Thrombocytopenia (1%),Weakness (1%) <1% QTc prolongation,Torsades de pointes,Diabetes mellitus, new onset and exacerbation,Hyperglycemia _ Interaction Reduced levels/effects with antacids, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, aminoglutethimide, phenytoin, rifampicin, nafcillin, nevirapine, omeprazole, nevirapine. Increased serum levels/effects with azole antifungal agents, cimetidine, efavirenz. Increased serum levels/effects of azithromycin, calcium channel blockers, clarithromycin, corticosteroids (e.g. fluticasone), mirtazapine, nateglinide, nefazodone, ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, venlafaxine, eplerinone, fentanyl, atorvastatin, phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, rifabutin, trazodone, TCAs. Reduced serum levels/effects of hormonal contraceptives, methadone, theophylline derivatives. Potentially Fatal: Increased serum levels/toxicity of amiodarone, cisapride, pimozide, midazolam, triazolam, ergot alkaloids, lovastatin, simvastatin, quinidine. _