Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Viracept.
Birth control: Birth control pills may be less effective while you are taking Viracept. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about appropriate methods of birth control.
Body fat changes: People using nelfinavir may notice the accumulation and redistribution of fat in their body. For example, less body fat on their arms, legs, and face, and more around the centre of their body (e.g., enlarged breasts, abdominal or central Obesity, and a "buffalo hump" - a pad of fat on the back). The cause or long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time.
Diabetes: Nelfinavir may cause diabetes or increase blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should discuss with their doctor how Viracept may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Viracept, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of diabetes such as frequency urination or increased thirst, contact your doctor. If you have diabetes and your blood sugar control worsens, contact your doctor.
Hemophilia: Nelfinavir may put people with hemophilia at a higher risk of bleeding while taking Viracept. People with hemophilia should discuss with their doctor how Viracept may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Viracept, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Immune reconstitution syndrome: Viracept may cause immune reconstitution syndrome, where signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections appear. These symptoms occur soon after starting anti-HIV medication and can vary. They are thought to occur as a result of the immune system improving and being able to fight infections that have been present without symptoms (such as pneumonia, herpes, or Tuberculosis). Report any new symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Liver function: Nelfinavir is broken down by the liver. Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause nelfinavir to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Viracept may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Viracept, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Other medications: Nelfinavir may interact with a number of medications, which may mean a change in how you take Viracept (See "What medications can interact with Viracept?"). Tell your doctor of all medications that you are taking. Certain medications should not be taken with nelfinavir at all (see "Who should NOT take Viracept?"). Nelfinavir should never be used on its own and should always be used in combination with other HIV medications.
Phenylketonuria: People with phenylketonuria (a condition where the body cannot break down phenylalanine) should be aware that the oral powder form of nelfinavir contains 11.2 mg of phenylalanine per gram of powder.
Pregnancy: Viracept should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Viracept, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Viracept passes into breast milk. However, breast-feeding is not recommended for women who are HIV-positive, as HIV can be transmitted to the baby through infected mothers' milk.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Viracept have not been established for children under 2 years of age. Children under 2 years of age should not use Viracept unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
