Information About Agenerase

Common uses
Agenerase is an HIV protease inhibitor used in combination with other medicines to manage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Prior to Use
Agenerase must be used in combination with other anti-HIV medicines. It is not known how long this drug will benefit those with HIV infection. This oral liquid form of amprenavir contains propylene glycol. Therefore, it must not be used in infants and children under 4 years old; pregnant women; patients with severe kidney or liver problems; nor in patients who take disulfiram or metronidazole. The oral liquid form of amprenavir should be used only after other treatments have been considered (e.g., amprenavir capsules). Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, do not use Agenerase: astemizole, bepridil, cisapride, ergot alkaloids, rifampin, terfenadine, midazolam, triazolam or oral contraceptives. Hormonal contraceptives have been found to decrease the amount of amprenavir in the blood. Consult your physician about other methods of birth control. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: amiodarone, barbiturates, carbamazepine, lidocaine, methadone, phenytoin, rifabutin, sildenafil, sirolimus, tacrolimus, tricyclic antidepressants, quinidine, warfarin, St John's wort, or medicine for high cholesterol (statins) or diabetes. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. If you have questions or concerns about Agenerase, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Agenerase. Agenerase comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Agenerase. Amprenavir liquid should only be used if you cannot take amprenavir capsules. Amprenavir liquid contains propylene glycol, which may cause side effects. Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure this dose. You may take Agenerase with food, or on an empty stomach. If you take it with food, do not take it with a high fat meal. Do not use antacids within 1 hour of taking Agenerase. Do not switch between the capsule and liquid forms of Agenerase. They are not equal milligram per milligram. Consult your physician or pharmacist. Store Agenerase at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Do not refrigerate. Continue to take Agenerase even if you feel better. Should you skip or forget a dose of Agenerase, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of Agenerase. Never take more than one dose at the same time.

Warnings
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to Agenerase or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your physician or pharmacist before taking Agenerase. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to Agenerase or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your physician or pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your physician. Exceeding the recommended dose of Agenerase may not provide additional benefits, and may increase the risks of side effects. Do not drink alcohol while you are using Agenerase. Do not stop using Agenerase without first checking with your physician. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Agenerase. Agenerase will not prevent you from spreading hiv If you have questions concerning how to prevent the spread of HIV, ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist. Agenerase may not prevent other infections If your health changes, check with your physician. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Do not use Seldane (terfenadine), Hismanal (astemizole), cisapride, disulfiram, or metronidazole while taking Agenerase. Do not use additional vitamin E while taking Agenerase. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Agenerase during pregnancy. The effects of Agenerase on breast milk is not known. You should not breast-feed if you are using Agenerase. If you have diabetes, Agenerase may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your physician before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects you may experience while using Agenerase include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Consult your physician immediately if you experience rash; tingling around the mouth; depression; or change in mood, emotions, or behavior. Contact your physician immediately if you experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity: seizures; fast heartbeat; change in the amount of urine; fast, shallow breathing; severe muscle pain or cramping; stomach discomfort. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed.

Additional information
If you have any questions concerning how to prevent the spreading of HIV, ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not let anyone else use Agenerase. Do not take Agenerase to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Agenerase for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.