Lexiva (Fosamprenavir Calcium) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Lexiva

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The history of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) dates back to 1981, when homosexual men with symptoms of a disease that now are considered typical of AIDS were first described in Los Angeles and New York. The men had an unusual type of lung infection (pneumonia) called Pneumocystis carinii (now known as Pneumocystis jiroveci) pneumonia (PCP) and rare skin tumors called Kaposi's sarcomas. The patients were noted to have a severe reduction in a type of cell in the blood (CD4 cells) that is an important part of the immune system. These cells, often referred to as T cells, help the body fight infections. Shortly thereafter, this disease was recognized throughout the United States, Western Europe, and Africa. In 1983, researchers in the United States and France described the virus that causes AIDS, now known as HIV, belonging to t...

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Lexiva

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LEXIVA
(fosamprenavir calcium) Tablets and Oral Suspension

DRUG DESCRIPTION

LEXIVA (fosamprenavir calcium) is a prodrug of amprenavir, an inhibitor of HIV protease. The chemical name of fosamprenavir calcium is (3S)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (1S,2R)-3[[(4-aminophenyl) sulfonyl](isobutyl)amino]-1-benzyl-2-(phosphonooxy) propylcarbamate monocalcium salt. Fosamprenavir calcium is a single stereoisomer with the (3S)(1S,2R) configuration. It has a molecular formula of C₂₅H₃₄CaN₃O₉PS and a molecular weight of 623.7. It has the following structural formula:

LEXIVA (fosamprenavir calcium) Structural Formula Illustration

Fosamprenavir calcium is a white to cream-colored solid with a solubility of approximately 0.31 mg/mL in water at 25° C.

LEXIVA Tablets are available for oral administration in a strength of 700 mg of fosamprenavir as fosamprenavir calcium (equivalent to approximately 600 mg of amprenavir). Each 700-mg tablet contains the inactive ingredients colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and povidone K30. The tablet film-coating contains the inactive ingredients hypromellose, iron oxide red, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.

LEXIVA Oral Suspension is available in a strength of 50 mg/mL of fosamprenavir as fosamprenavir calcium equivalent to approximately 43 mg of amprenavir. LEXIVA Oral Suspension is a white to off-white suspension with a grape-bubblegum-peppermint flavor. Each one milliliter (1 mL) contains the inactive ingredients artificial grape-bubblegum flavor, calcium chloride dihydrate, hypromellose, methylparaben, natural peppermint flavor, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, and sucralose.

What are the possible side effects of fosamprenavir (Lexiva)?

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 fosamprenavir and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
increased urination or extreme thirst;
sudden and...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Lexiva »

What are the precautions when taking fosamprenavir calcium (Lexiva)?

Before taking fosamprenavir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to amprenavir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (coronary artery disease, heart attack), lipid problems (high cholesterol or triglycerides/fats), blood disorders (hemophilia), diabetes, kidney problems (such as kidney stones), liver disease.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially vomiting.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 6/17/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.