What is fosamprenavir?
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.
What is the most important information I should know about fosamprenavir?
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?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to fosamprenavir or a similar drug called amprenavir (Agenerase).
Do not take fosamprenavir together with cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).
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.
To make sure you can safely take fosamprenavir, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver disease;
kidney disease;
diabetes;
a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
heart disease, history of heart attack;
high cholesterol or triglycerides; or
if you have ever used a protease inhibitor in the past.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fosamprenavir will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during pregnancy. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection.
Your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.
Taking fosamprenavir together with another HIV medicine called ritonavir (Norvir) and also using birth control pills can increase you risk of liver problems. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking fosamprenavir and ritonavir.
Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.