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Nelfinavir

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Nelfinavir was removed from the PBS[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs. on 1 December 2008, due largely to it's high dosing schedule and the fact that there are other PIs which perform as well if not better,

Generic name: nelfinavir (NFV)
Pronunciation:nel-FIN-aveer
Brand name:Viracept
Also known as:AG1343
Generic versions include Nelvir, Nelfin, Nelvex and Nefavir.
Drug class:protease inhibitor
Availability in Australia:
  • Withdrawn from use in Australia. No longer available through the PBS.
  • You may be able to import this drug from overseas for your personal use.
Presentation:250mg tablets; 625mg tablets; 50mg/g oral powder
Links:

Like most anti-HIV drugs, nelfinavir must be taken in combination with other drugs to be completely effective. Commonly, nelfinavir is combined with two nucleoside (NRTI) drugs, although other combinations are sometimes used. Your doctor will advise you on the right combination of drugs to suit your circumstances.

Dosage

The normal adult dose is either 3 x 250mg tablets 3 times a day or 2 x 625mg tablets twice a day.

Regardless of what you read on this website or elsewhere, you should always take your medications according to your doctor's instructions. If you're unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

With or without food?

Nelfinavir should be taken with food.

Side effects

All drugs can produce side effects in some people. These may be mild, moderate or severe, so you should be aware of potential side effects before starting any drug, and speak to your doctor if you experience side effects that concern you.

  • Common side effects may include diarrhoea, nausea and headache.
  • Less common side effects may include fat and metabolic irregularities.

    • It's unlikely you will experience all of these side effects, and you may not experience any side effects at all. Before starting any new drug, ask your doctor about side effects you might experience and discuss strategies for dealing with side effects if they do occur. If you experience any significant side effect you should continue taking your medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Interactions with other drugs

Drugs to watch out for include other antiretrovirals, drugs to treat tuberculosis, for erectile dysfunction (such as Viagra), for heart rhythm (antiarrhythmics), and for migraine headaches. Interactions are also possible with several antihistamines (allergy medications), sedatives, drugs to lower cholesterol, and anti-fungal drugs. Make sure that your health care provider knows about ALL drugs and supplements you are taking. If you are taking nelfinavir and ddI, you should take ddI one hour before or two hours after nelfinavir. Nelfinavir decreases blood levels of Kaletra. Taking nelfinavir with delavirdine increases blood levels of both drugs. Avoid this combination. Nelfinavir decreases methadone levels. Watch for signs of excessive sedation if you take nelfinavir with buprenorphine. Some birth control pills may not work if you are taking nelfinavir. Talk to your health care provider about how to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. The herb St. John's Wort lowers the blood levels of some protease inhibitors. Do not take it with nelfinavir.
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Viracept (Nelfinavir) being withdrawn in Australia

Story • Jo Watson • 12 June 2007

Following consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Roche Pharmaceuticals is undertaking a sponsor initiated recall of all batches and presentations of Viracept (Nelfinavir). read more »

The table below shows all the clinical trials in the database with the keyword nelfinavir.

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This Treatments database entry was first published on 1 June 2009 — more than two years ago.

While the content of this treatments database entry was checked for accuracy at the time of publication, NAPWA recommends checking to determine whether the information is the most up-to-date available, especially when making decisions which may affect your health.

This article may contain medical information. NAPWA makes every reasonable effort to ensure the information on this website is accurate, reliable and up-to-date, including obtaining technical reviews by medically-qualified reviewers, however the authors of information on this website are not qualified to give medical advice, except where explicitly stated.

The content of this website is intended to support, not replace, the relationship between people living with HIV/AIDS and their medical advisers, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.

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