Nelvir

Description

Nelvir Tablet: Your Guide to Use

Nelvir Tablet is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV infection. It’s always used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs.

How to Use

Nelvir Tablet must be taken with food.

Adult Dosing:

• HIV Infection:
  • 1.25 grams (1250 mg) twice daily OR
  • 0.75 grams (750 mg) three times daily.
  • Always used with other anti-HIV medications.

Child Dosing:

• HIV Infection (2-13 years old):
  • 45-55 mg per kg of body weight twice daily OR
  • 25-35 mg per kg of body weight three times daily.
  • Maximum dose: 0.75 grams (750 mg) three times daily.
  • Always used with other anti-HIV medications.

Special Dosing for Liver Impairment:

• Mild liver impairment (Child-Pugh class A): No dose adjustment is needed.
• Severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class B or C): Nelvir Tablet is not recommended.

Kidney Impairment:

• No dose adjustment is necessary for kidney impairment.

Important Considerations

Do Not Use If:

• You are hypersensitive to nelfinavir.
• You are breastfeeding.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy: Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Liver and Kidney Impairment: Use with caution if you have liver or kidney problems (see dosing adjustments for liver impairment).
• Bleeding Disorders: Use with caution if you have hemophilia A or B.
• Diabetes: Monitor your blood sugar closely if you have diabetes, as this medication can affect blood sugar levels.
• Body Fat Changes (Lipodystrophy): Your doctor will monitor you for signs of lipodystrophy, which is a redistribution of body fat that can occur with HIV medications.
• Breastfeeding: HIV-positive women are advised not to breastfeed to prevent the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby.

Interactions:

Nelvir Tablet can interact with many other medications. It’s crucial to tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

• Decreased Levels/Effects of Nelvir:
  • Antacids
  • Certain seizure medications (e.g., phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin)
  • Aminoglutethimide
  • Rifampicin
  • Nafcillin
  • Nevirapine
  • Omeprazole
• Increased Levels/Effects of Nelvir:
  • Azole antifungal agents
  • Cimetidine
  • Efavirenz
• Increased Levels/Effects of Other Medications When Taken with Nelvir:
  • Azithromycin
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Clarithromycin
  • Corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone)
  • Mirtazapine
  • Nateglinide
  • Nefazodone
  • Immunosuppressants (e.g., ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus)
  • Venlafaxine
  • Eplerenone
  • Fentanyl
  • Atorvastatin
  • PDE-5 inhibitors (used for erectile dysfunction)
  • Rifabutin
  • Trazodone
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Reduced Levels/Effects of Other Medications When Taken with Nelvir:
  • Hormonal contraceptives (birth control)
  • Methadone
  • Theophylline derivatives
• Potentially Fatal Interactions (Increased Toxicity of Other Medications):
  • Amiodarone
  • Cisapride
  • Pimozide
  • Midazolam
  • Triazolam
  • Ergot alkaloids
  • Lovastatin
  • Simvastatin
  • Quinidine

Potential Side Effects

While taking Nelvir Tablet, you might experience some side effects.

Very Common (More than 10%):

• Diarrhea (14-20% of people)

Common (1-10%):

• Nausea (3-7%)
• Flatulence (1-5%)
• Abdominal pain (1%)
• Anemia (1%)
• Allergic reaction (1%)
• Difficulty concentrating (1%)
• Lipodystrophy (changes in body fat, 1%)
• Metabolic acidosis (1%)
• Rash (1-3%)
• Low white blood cell count (leukopenia, 1%)
• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia, 1%)
• Weakness (1%)

Less Common (Less than 1%):

• Prolonged QT interval (a heart rhythm abnormality)
• Torsades de pointes (a serious heart rhythm disorder)
• New-onset or worsening diabetes mellitus
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)

How It Works

Nelfinavir is a type of medication called an HIV protease inhibitor. It works by blocking a specific enzyme in the HIV virus called HIV-1 protease. This enzyme is crucial for the virus to mature and become infectious. By inhibiting it, Nelfinavir prevents the production of new, infectious virus particles.

Additional Information

Nelvir 150mg Tablet is manufactured by Cipla Ltd. Its generic name is Nelfinavir, and it is available in Nepal.