Amprenavir (By Mouth)

Amprenavir (am-PREN-a-veer)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Amprenavir does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Agenerase
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to amprenavir, or if you are also using bepridil, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine, midazolam, triazolam, rifampin, astemizole, terfenadine, pimozide, quinidine, or cisapride. Amprenavir oral liquid should not be used by children under 4, pregnant women, or people who have liver or kidney failure or who are also using Antabuse® or Flagyl®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Do not stop using the medicine or change your dose without asking your doctor. Do not change from the capsule form of this medicine to the oral liquid without asking your doctor.
• You may take this medicine with food, but not with a high-fat meal. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Amprenavir is taken with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If you are more than 4 hours late in taking your medicine, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze or refrigerate.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many drugs that should not be used while you are using amprenavir. Using them can cause very serious medical problems, or even death.
• There are many other drugs that can interact with amprenavir. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using. This includes St. John's wort, Viagra®, vitamin E, methadone, antibiotics, blood thinners, birth control pills, medicine to lower cholesterol, other HIV/AIDS medicines, and medicine for depression, seizures, or heart rhythm problems. Do not drink alcohol if you are using the oral liquid form of this medicine.
• If you are also taking antacids or buffered didanosine, take amprenavir at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking these other medicines. Do not use them at the same time.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or if you have diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, hemophilia, problems with digestion, or a sulfa drug allergy.
• People who are Asian, Eskimo, or Native American may have a higher risk of side effects from amprenavir oral liquid. Talk with your doctor before using this form of amprenavir.
• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone.
• You should not breast feed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Decrease in how often or how much you urinate
• Fast heartbeat or fast, shallow breathing
• Increased hunger or thirst, increased urination, or unexplained weight loss
• Seizures
• Unusual bleeding, including bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or bloody dark urine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain
• Mild skin rash
• Numbness or tingling around your mouth
• Unusual weight gain or increased fat in some parts of your body

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.