What is Viracept: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Viracept overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Viracept

Generic Names:

  • Viracept

Uses:

  • Treats HIV infection. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiretroviral Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Powder

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Viracept used for?

Viracept is combined with other drugs to minimize the spreading of the HIV virus. It reduces the virus in your red blood cells by enhancing the number of white blood cells. An increase of the white blood cells helps to improve the immune system and fight the infection.

What form(s) does Viracept come in

  • Tablet

  • Powder

What are common Viracept doses?

  • Tablet 250MG

  • Tablet 625MG

Common Viracept prescriptions

  • Viracept
    120 tablets bottle

  • Viracept
    30 tablets bottle

  • Viracept
    300 tablets bottle

How to take Viracept

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Keep the medicine in the original bottle that you were given at the pharmacy.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

  • Oral powder: Measure the medicine carefully with the measuring scoop provided. Mix the powder with a small amount of water, milk, soy milk, baby formula, or a dietary supplement drink. Do not use apple juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice, or applesauce. After you mix the medicine with a liquid, drink all of the mixture right away. If you cannot use the mixture right away, you may store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours.

  • Tablet: If you cannot swallow it whole, you may dissolve the tablet in a small amount of water. Drink all of the mixture after the tablet dissolves. Then refill your glass with water and drink all of the water right way, so that no medicine is left in the glass.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Nelfinavir is used together with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all of the medicines your doctor has prescribed at the right time of day and in the correct order. Do not stop using your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Tablet: If you cannot swallow it whole, you may dissolve the tablet in a small amount of water. Drink all of the mixture after the tablet dissolves. Then refill your glass with water and drink all of the water right way, so that no medicine is left in the glass.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Nelfinavir is used together with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all of the medicines your doctor has prescribed at the right time of day and in the correct order. Do not stop using your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Oral powder: Measure the medicine carefully with the measuring scoop provided. Mix the powder with a small amount of water, milk, soy milk, baby formula, or a dietary supplement drink. Do not use apple juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice, or applesauce. After you mix the medicine with a liquid, drink all of the mixture right away. If you cannot use the mixture right away, you may store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Keep the medicine in the original bottle that you were given at the pharmacy.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

What to do if you miss a dose of Viracept

Viracept contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to nelfinavir.

Viracept warnings

  • Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking an HIV medicine. Infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, might start to have symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

  • Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have liver disease, diabetes, hemophilia, or phenylketonuria.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may cause your blood sugar levels to be high. This problem may continue after you stop using this medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

Viracept interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking an HIV medicine. Infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, might start to have symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

  • This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

  • If you also use didanosine, take it 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after you take nelfinavir.

  • Many other drugs can interact with nelfinavir. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

  • Do not use this medicine if you are also using alfuzosin, amiodarone, cisapride, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, lovastatin, lurasidone, methylergonovine, oral midazolam, pimozide, quinidine, rifampin, sildenafil, simvastatin, St John's wort, or triazolam).

Viracept side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate, unusual weight loss

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea, gas, nausea

  • Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist

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