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HIV and AIDS: Antiretroviral Drugs, Treatments and Medications »
Entry Inhibitors
Entry inhibitors block HIV entry into CD4+ cells.
Fusion inhibitors
The only drug in this class is T-20, which is administered as a twice daily subcutaneous injection. The most common side effect is redness and pain at the site of injection. Rarely, infection can occur at the injection site. There also are reports of generalized allergic reactions.
CCR5 antagonist
Although there were some early concerns of liver inflammation for drugs in this class, MVC appeared to be well tolerated in clinical trials without any specific toxicities attributable to the drug. However, it is a new drug in a new class and the first to actually target the cell. For these reasons, longer follow-up from clinical trials and those followed in the clinic will be very important for assessing the overall safety of the...
Read the HIV and AIDS: Antiretroviral Drugs, Treatments and Medications article »
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Amprenavir is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. Amprenavir prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.
Amprenavir is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Amprenavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Amprenavir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking amprenavir and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
Keep taking the medication and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Do not take amprenavir with cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine, and others. These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking amprenavir.
Amprenavir oral liquid should also not be taken with disulfiram (Antabuse) or metronidazole (Flagyl).
There are many other medicines that can interact with amprenavir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.
Taking amprenavir will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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