Amprenavir (By mouth)

Introduction:

Amprenavir (am-PREN-a-vir)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Amprenavir does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs including amprenavir may slow the progress of the disease. This medicine was withdrawn from the US market in October 2007 because better medicines are now available.

Brand Name(s):

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 dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine, midazolam, triazolam, pimozide, or cisapride. Amprenavir oral liquid should not be used by children under the age of 4, pregnant women, or people who have liver or kidney failure or who are also using disulfiram (Antabuse®) or metronidazole (Flagyl®). If you are using this medicine with ritonavir, you should not use the heart drugs Tambocor® or Rythmol®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid

  • This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • 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 this 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 or without food, but do not take with a high-fat meal.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
  • Amprenavir is used 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 use 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  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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 other medicines that you should not use together with amprenavir. This includes nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using. This includes St. John's wort, rifampin, delavirdine, Viagra®, vitamin E, methadone, antibiotics, blood thinners, birth control pills, steroids, or other HIV/AIDS medicines. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a medicine for your immune system, blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, seizures, depression, or to lower cholesterol. Ask your doctor before you use any other medicine with amprenavir.
  • If you are using the amprenavir oral liquid, you should not use the liquid form of ritonavir (Norvir®). They contain similar ingredients that could be harmful if used together.
  • Do not drink alcohol if you are using the oral liquid form of this medicine.
  • If you are also using antacids or buffered didanosine, take amprenavir at least 1 hour before, or 1 hour after using 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, or a sulfa drug allergy.
  • Women of all races and 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.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • 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:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion.
  • Fast heartbeat or fast, shallow breathing.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
  • Seizures.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

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

  • Change in taste.
  • Depression, or other changes in your mood.
  • Gaining weight around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist.
  • Loss of fat from your arms, legs, or face.
  • Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
  • Mild skin rash.
  • Numbness or tingling around your mouth.
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