Explanation

Nelfinavir (also called Viracept®) belongs to a family of medicines called anti-virals. It's a special type of anti-viralcalled a protease inhibitor.

How does it work?

Nelfinavir helps your immune system to get stronger, which helps win the battle against HIV.

What does it look like?

Nelfinavir comes as a tablet that you can swallow with a big glass of water.

If you can't swallow tablets, nelfinavir also comes as a powder that can you can mix with water, milk, soy drinks or pudding.

When do I have to take it?

Your doctor will tell you when you have to take nelfinavir.

You will usually need to take nelfinavir two or three times a day. It's best to take nelfinavir at meal times, or with a light snack.

Don't forget to take your nelfinavir. Even if the adults looking after you forget - go and remind them!

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

If you don't take your nelfinavir, your HIV will keep spreading, making it harder for your immune system to fight it.

Taking your medicine is the best way to help your immune system win the battle against HIV.

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take your medicine and it hasn't been long since you should have taken it, take your dose when you remember and carry on as normal.

But, if it is nearly time to take more anyway, wait and take your usual dose then. Don't take twice as much next time to catch up, though. Remember the three Ds: Don't Double Dose!

How much do I take?

How much nelfinavir you need to take depends on how much you weigh. Your doctor will help you decide the right dose for you.

What are the most likely side effects I might get?

The side effects you are most likely to get with nelfinavir are:

Runny poo (diarrhoea)

Farting

Feeling sick

Rash

You may also have more infections than usual, due to a lower than normal number of neutrophils.

When you're taking nelfinavir your doctor will give you blood tests to check that your liver, kidneys and muscles are working normally.

What other side effects might I get?

Some less likely side effects that you might get are:

An allergic reaction (this might cause a skin rash, itching and blisters)

being sick

a pain in the right side of your tummy (caused by inflammation of your pancreas)

Are there any other side effects you haven't mentioned?

There are some other side effects that you could get, although these are rare. They include:

Problems with your liver

Diabetes

A higher risk of bleeding if you have haemophilia

Aching or weakened muscles

Is it safe for me to take nelfinavir?

Before you take nelfinavir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

You should also tell your doctor if you have:

Any bone problems

Problems with your kidneys

Liver problems

Is it ok for me to take nelfinavir if I am taking any other medicines?

You shouldn't start taking nelfinavir if you are having treatment including:

medicines that you have got without prescription, including vitamins and herbal supplements

other anti-viral medicine to treat HIV

medicine for an irregular heartbeat

medicine to treat seizures

medicine to treat migraine ( a type of headache)

medicine to treat sleep problems

medicine to treat heartburn and other tummy upsets

medicine to treat TB.

If you are taking any of the medicines in this list, your doctor might have to change your dose of nelfinavir, or give you a different anti-viral medicine to take instead.

So, before you start taking nelfinavir, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with HIV in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.