| Generic (& other names) | Brand name | Classification |
| nelfinavir mesylate | Viracept | protease inhibitor |
| Dosage, usual for adults | 750 mg orally three times a day (preferably every 8 hours) |
| Dosage strength / form | 250 mg capsule
(105 or 144 gms of powder will be stocked for children) |
| Capsules per full dose | 3 capsules each dose; 9 capsules total per day. |
| Storage | At room temperature in a tightly closed bottle |
| Enhancing drug levels |
- Take three times. Preferably every eight hours with food.
- Take with food. Two to four times the drug is absorbed when it is taken with food than when it is taken without food
- Space your meals evenly throughout the day.
- Fat. According to a manufacturer spokesperson, unpublished studies indicated that fat does not seem to be the factor in absorption.
- pH. According to the manufacturer spokesperson, maybe the pH is the factor effecting absorption. When food is in the stomach, gastric juices are stimulated and acidity increases.
- Unfortunately, clinical studies didn't closely monitor their subjects dietary intake. The studies do not differentiate between a meal or a snack or what was the meal or snack's macronutrient profile (that is, the calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate). It is not known what kinds of foods are effecting this drug's absorption.
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| Reducing drug levels |
- Not eating either a meal or snack with nelfinavir will reduce the absorption. On an empty stomach, nelfinavir will be absorbed 25-50% that of what is absorbed when taken with food.
- Missing dosages will reduce the effectiveness of the drug and increase the possibility of resistance.
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| Sample meal and medication schedule |
7 AM : Breakfast with nelfinavir
10 AM : Snack
12 noon : Lunch
3 PM : Snack with nelfinavir
7 PM : Supper
11 PM : Snack with nelfinavir |
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| Fluids |
- Recommendation. There is not a specific recommendation for increased fluid intake with nelfinavir. However, people living with HIV do have increased need in general for more fluid. Intake goals of safe drinking water are 10-12 cups (8 oz/cup) of water for men and 9-11 cups of water for women.
- Safe water is water that has been brought to a rapid boil for 1 minute, is distilled, has gone through a filter meeting NSF standard 53 for cyst reduction. Bottled water, unless it meets these guidelines, or water from a vending machine does not promise safety.
- Coffee! Be aware that caffeine in coffee and other foods can speed up the gastrointestinal tract, creating looser stools with a potential fluid loss from both excretion and urination. Also, many people experience a reduction of appetite after caffeine containing foods. Watch that you don't skip meals or snacks when you have the opportunity to eat.
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| Common reactions that may affect nutritional status |
| Specifically |
- Diarrhea, some nausea, and headaches are symptoms which have been so far identified. Your primary care provider and dietitian can help you manage these problems.
- Watch for any symptoms of high blood sugar (high blood glucose)
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| Generally |
- Tell your primary care provider if and when anything abnormal occurs to determine what is its actual cause and what to do about it. Work with your primary care provider and your registered dietitian to manage and reduce their effects on your nutritional health.
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| Tips to taking meds on time | - Write down your own regular meal and medication schedule (see worksheet)
- Figure out a daily routine of eating and taking meds that work for you. Practice your routine each day.
- If you can't keep to your routine talk to a health care professional or even a friend about about where it gets hard. Make adjustments and try again.
- Make eating and taking meds your priority.
- Use a timer to remind you when to take your meds and when to eat.
- Use a pill box with compartments
- Use a daily check list or journal to track that you have taken each med and snack.
| - Eat to live
- Buy lots of portable snacks that don't spoil easily
- Keep food easy to reach: at the side of your bed, by the phone, by your TV or computer.
- Put a snack in your pack anytime you leave home: to work, appointments, errands, socializing
- Communicate your needs to anyone with a demand on your time. Say, for example: "I need to eat first."
- Set up meals with friends during times you can eat
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