Lexiva (Fosamprenavir Calcium) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Lexiva

Human Immunodeficiency Virus »

HIV facts

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes, or through a break in the skin.
HIV infection is generally a slowly progressive disease in which the virus is present throughout the body at all stages of the disease.
Three stages of HIV infection have been described.

The initial stage of infection (primary infection), which occurs within weeks of acquiring the virus, and often is characterized by a flu- or mono-like illness that generally resolves within weeks.
The stage of chronic asymptomatic infection (meaning a long duration of infection without symptoms) lasts an average of eight to 10 years.
The stage of symptomatic infection, in which the body's immune (or defense) system has...

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Lexiva Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fosamprenavir (Lexiva)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to fosamprenavir or a similar drug called amprenavir (Agenerase).

Do not take fosamprenavir together with cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

Fosamprenavir should not be taken together with ritonavir (Norvir) if you are also using a heart rhythm medication called flecainide (Tambocor) or propafenone (Rythmol). Ask your doctor about taking a different medication for your heart rhythm disorder.

These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking fosamprenavir.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take fosamprenavir, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
diabetes;
a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
heart disease, history of heart attack;
high cholesterol or triglycerides; or
if you have ever used a protease inhibitor in the past.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fosamprenavir is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.

Taking fosamprenavir together with another HIV medicine called ritonavir (Norvir) and also using birth control pills can increase you risk of liver problems. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking fosamprenavir and ritonavir.

You should not breast-feed while you are using fosamprenavir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

How should I take fosamprenavir (Lexiva)?

Take fosamprenavir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Fosamprenavir tablets can be taken with or without food.

Fosamprenavir liquid should be taken with food in children and without food in adults.

Shake the oral liquid well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

It is important to use fosamprenavir regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

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. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. 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.

Store fosamprenavir tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You may store fosamprenavir liquid in the refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze.

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