Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Lexiva

Generic Name: fosamprenavir (Pronunciation: FOS am pren a veer)

What is fosamprenavir (Lexiva)?

Fosamprenavir is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. Fosamprenavir prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Fosamprenavir is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Fosamprenavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Fosamprenavir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Lexiva 700 mg

oblong, pink, imprinted with GX LL7

What are the possible side effects of fosamprenavir (Lexiva)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking fosamprenavir and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
increased urination or extreme thirst;
sudden and severe pain in your lower back or side, blood in your urine, pain or burning when you urinate;
signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms;
easy bruising or bleeding; or
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects of fosamprenavir may include:

mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
numbness or tingling, especially around your mouth;
headache, mood changes; or
changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about fosamprenavir (Lexiva)?

Do not take fosamprenavir with cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine, and others.

Fosamprenavir should not be taken together with ritonavir (Norvir) if you are also using a heart rhythm medication called flecainide (Tambocor) or propafenone (Rythmol). Ask your doctor about taking a different medication for your heart rhythm disorder.

These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking fosamprenavir.

There are many other medicines that can cause serious interactions if you use them while taking fosamprenavir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fosamprenavir (Lexiva)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.