IMPORTANT WARNING:
Amprenavir liquid should not be used by infants or children younger than 4 years of age, pregnant women, patients with liver or kidney failure, or patients taking disulfiram (Antabuse) or metronidazole (Flagyl). Amprenavir liquid should only be used when you cannot take amprenavir capsules or other antiretroviral agents. If you are using the liquid, but believe you could take capsules, you should speak to your doctor. |
Why is this medication prescribed?
Amprenavir is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Amprenavir belongs to a class of drugs called protease (pro' tee ace) inhibitors, which slow the spread of HIV infection in the body.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Amprenavir comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day. Amprenavir may be taken with or without food. However, avoid taking amprenavir with high-fat foods or high-fat meals. The amount of drug in amprenavir capsules is not the same as the amount in amprenavir liquid. Do not switch between amprenavir capsules and amprenavir liquid unless your doctor tells you how many amprenavir capsules or how much amprenavir liquid you should take. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amprenavir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Amprenavir is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Amprenavir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people. Continue to take amprenavir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amprenavir without talking to your doctor.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
It is important that you do not run out of your supply of amprenavir or other antiviral medications because the amount of HIV in your blood may increase if you stop taking them. When your supply of amprenavir is low, make sure you contact your doctor or pharmacist for a refill.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to amprenavir.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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