Search Content

Nelfinavir

Pronounced

"nell-FIN-uh-veer"

Common brand names:

Viracept

Uses

This drug is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Nelfinavir belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors.

Nelfinavir is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using nelfinavir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with a meal as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times daily.

If you are unable to swallow tablets, you may crush your dose and take it with food. The tablets may also be dissolved in a small amount of water. If dissolved in water, stir the mixture well and drink all of it right away. Rinse your container with more water and drink the rinse liquid to be sure you receive the entire dose. Do not mix with acidic food or juices (such as orange juice, apple juice/sauce) since this may make the medicine taste bitter.

The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, other medications, and response to treatment.

For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same times every day.

It is very important to keep taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat, or worsen side effects.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2025.