Generic Name: fosamprenavir
(FOS am pren a veer)
What is Lexiva?
Lexiva is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. Fosamprenavir prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.
Lexiva is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Fosamprenavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Lexiva may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Lexiva?
Do not take Lexiva with cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine, and others.
Lexiva 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 Lexiva.
There are many other medicines that can cause serious interactions if you use them while taking Lexiva.Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.
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. 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.
Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lexiva?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to Lexiva or a similar drug called amprenavir (Agenerase).
Do not take Lexiva 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).
Lexiva 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 Lexiva.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take Lexiva, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease
- diabetes
- a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia
- 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 Lexiva 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 Lexiva 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 Lexiva. 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 Lexiva?
Take Lexiva 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.
Lexiva tabletscan be taken with or without food.
Lexiva 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 Lexiva 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, 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 Lexiva tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
You may store Lexiva liquid in the refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do nottake extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Lexiva overdose are unknown.
What should I avoid while taking Lexiva?
Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.
What are the possible side effects of Lexiva?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Copyright 1996-2009 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.02. Revision date: 06/25/2009.