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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

FOSAMPRENAVIR - ORAL

(fos-am-PREN-uh-veer)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): 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.

This drug is not a cure for HIV and does not prevent the passing of HIV to others.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start taking fosamprenavir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult you doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is taken by mouth, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Fosamprenavir is usually taken once or twice daily in patients who have never taken protease inhibitors to treat HIV before. If you have taken other protease inhibitors in the past, this medication 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 this medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

The tablet form may be taken with or without food.

If you are using the liquid form, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure your prescribed dose using a medication-measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Adults should take the liquid form without food. Children (younger than 19 years) should take the liquid form with food. If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes after dosing, the dose should be repeated.

Dosage is based on age, weight, medical condition, and other medications you may be taking.

Because fosamprenavir is converted by the body into amprenavir, you should not take this drug 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 this drug) in your bloodstream.

Use this medication 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 this drug than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) unless directed to do so by your doctor.