Amprenavir

Brand names: Agenerase™

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Amprenavir capsules (below)
• Amprenavir Oral capsule
• Amprenavir Oral solution

Espa�ol:
• Cápsulas de amprenavir
• Amprenavir, Cápsula oral
• Amprenavir, Solución oral

Amprenavir capsules

What are amprenavir capsules?

AMPRENAVIR is an antiretroviral drug. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others.

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States. Patients taking Amprenavir should contact their prescriber regarding discontinuation and alternative therapies.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• diabetes or high blood sugar
• hemophilia A or B
• high cholesterol or triglycerides
• liver disease
• vitamin K deficiency
• an unusual or allergic reaction to amprenavir, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take amprenavir capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take amprenavir with or without food but try to avoid taking it with high fat meals. Do not take with antacids. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

To help to make sure that your anti-HIV therapy works as well as possible, be very careful to take all of your medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Amprenavir is not recommended for use in children less than 3 years of age.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose by more than 4 hours, wait and take the next dose at your normal time. However, if you missed the dose by less than 4 hours, take the dose immediately. Then, take your next dose at your normal time. Do not take more or less than your prescribed dose of amprenavir at one time.

What drug(s) may interact with amprenavir?

Many medicines may interact with amprenavir. If you have a question concerning other medicines you may be taking, talk with your pharmacist, prescriber or other health care professional.
Do not take amprenavir with any of these medicines:
• astemizole
• bepridil
• birth control pills or other hormonal birth control medicines (like the patch, ring, or injections)
• cisapride
• dihydroergotamine
• ergotamine
• lovastatin
• methadone
• methylergonovine
• methysergide
• midazolam
• red yeast rice
• rifampin
• sildenafil
• simvastatin
• St. John's wort
• triazolam
• vitamin E supplements
• warfarin

Other medicines that may interact with amprenavir:
• amiodarone
• antacids
• bosentan
• certain medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping
• certain medicines for depression (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine)
• didanosine, ddI
• dofetilide
• doxercalciferol
• lidocaine
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for seizures
• medicines to lower your cholesterol (e.g., atorvastatin or cerivastatin)
• other medicines for HIV
• paricalcitol
• quinidine
• rifabutin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking amprenavir?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional.

Amprenavir will not cure HIV and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking amprenavir does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone.

If you are a woman of childbearing age and are using hormone contraceptives, then you should use another form of birth control while taking amprenavir. Amprenavir may decrease the effectiveness of hormone birth control agents, including birth control pills and injections.

Do not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin E while you are taking amprenavir. Amprenavir contains large amounts of vitamin E.

Do not take antacids or didanosine, ddI, within 1 hour of taking amprenavir. Antacids may decrease the amount of amprenavir you may absorb.

What side effects might I notice from taking amprenavir?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• changes in body appearance (such as weight gain or loss around the waist and/or face)
• skin rash or itchy skin
• increased hunger or thirst
• increased urination
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• changes in taste
• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach pain
• tingling around the mouth

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.