How does it work?

Nelfinavir is a type of medicine called a protease inhibitor, which is used in the treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by infection with HIV. This virus invades cells of the immune system, particularly the white blood cells known as CD4 T-helper lymphocytes. These cells normally work to activate other cells in the immune system to fight infection. Since HIV kills CD4 T-helper cells, the body cannot fight the virus or subsequent infections. Once the virus has invaded the CD4 T-cell it multiplies, and new copies of the virus are released to infect more CD4 cells. Certain chemicals produced by HIV, called enzymes, play an important role in this multiplication. One of these enzymes, protease, has an essential involvement in assembling the new copies of the virus. Nelfinavir works by stopping the protease enzyme from working. This means that new copies of the virus that are produced are faulty and cannot infect more CD4 cells. There is no cure for HIV, but nelfinavir is one of a number of medications that lowers the amount of virus in the body (viral load) and slows the progression of the disease from HIV to AIDS. Nelfinavir is used in conjunction with other anti-HIV drugs to prevent resistance occurring.

What is it used for?

HIV infection

Warning!

Take this medicine with or after food.

The safety and efficacy of this medicine in children under three years of age has not been established by the manufacturer.

Use with caution in

Blood clotting disorder (haemophilia)

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Diabetes

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is recommended that women infected with the HIV virus must not breastfeed their infants under any circumstances, in order to avoid transmission of the virus to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved