VIRACEPT

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it with food. If you cannot swallow the tablets whole, you can dissolve them in water. Put the tablets in a small amount of water. Stir until the tablets dissolve and drink all the mixture immediately. Rinse the glass and drink the rinse to get the full dose. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses can make the HIV virus resistant to this and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need to have important blood work done while taking this medication.
HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV.
Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. If you are using these hormones for contraception, talk to your care team about using a second type of contraception. A barrier contraceptive, such as a condom or diaphragm, is recommended.
This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.
Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer wanted or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substances. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.