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: This drug is used in combination with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life.

Fosamprenavir belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors. It may be given with ritonavir, another protease inhibitor, to increase ("boost") the levels of fosamprenavir. This helps fosamprenavir work better.

Fosamprenavir is not a cure for HIV infection, and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).

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

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily.

Fosamprenavir tablets may be taken with or without food.

If you are taking fosamprenavir suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Adults should take the suspension without food. Children should take the suspension with food. If vomiting occurs less than 30 minutes after taking a dose, repeat the dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, other medications you may be taking, and if you have taken protease inhibitors to treat HIV before. For children, the dosage is also based on age and weight. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you are directed to take ritonavir with this medication, take them both at the same time(s).

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.