Tablet

Pfizer

Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection.

Do not take Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) you are also taking cisapride, triazolam, midazolam, amiodarone, quinidine, or ergot derivatives

Before using Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation (especially St. John's wort), or dietary supplement if you have diabetes or high blood sugar if you have liver problems if you have hemophilia if you have any other medical condition. Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) should be taken at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking didanosine.

Do not take any other medicines without checking with your doctor first . To do so may increase the chance of side effects from Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate).

Other:  Stomach gas; rash.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Before taking Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate), talk with your health care provider about what medicines should not be taken with Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate). Taking certain medications with Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) may be life-threatening or cause severe side effects. Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) must be taken with other medications that treat HIV infection to be effective. Take Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) with food. Patients who cannot swallow the tablets whole may place whole or crushed tablets in a small amount of water to dissolve before taking them or the tablets may be crushed and mixed with a small amount of food. Once Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) is mixed with food or liquid, the entire contents must be taken to get the full dose. If the mixture is not taken immediately, it must be stored under refrigeration and taken within 6 hours. If you are taking didanosine, take Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) with food least 1 hour before or more than 2 hours after taking didanosine. Patients taking sildenafil ( Viagra ) may experience low blood pressure, vision changes, and prolonged erections while taking Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate). When Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) supply begins to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacy as soon as possible. The virus may develop resistance to Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) if you stop taking it, even for a short period of time, and may become harder to treat. Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) is not a cure for HIV. You may continue to develop infections and other complications while taking Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate). Remain under the care of your doctor while taking Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate). Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) offers no protection against the passing of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with HIV. Certain birth control pills may not be as effective while taking Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate). Women taking birth control pills should use additional or other birth control measures (eg, condoms, diaphragms). Women infected with HIV should not breastfeed their babies because of the risk of passing the virus or Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate). Diabetes patients -- Your doctor may need to change the amount or type of diabetes medicine you are taking. Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations (especially St. John's wort) or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Viracept (nelfinavir mesylate) in original bottle between 59 and 86 degrees F. Keep container tightly closed.