Lexiva (Fosamprenavir)

Brand name: Lexiva
Generic name: Fosamprenavir Calcium, Fosamprenavir
Used for: Treat human immunodeficiency (HIV-1) infections
Availability: Brand Lexiva (ViiV Healthcare) 700mg

How Fosamprenavir Works

Lexiva is a prescription anti-HIV medicine used with other anti-HIV medicines to treat human immunodeficiency (HIV-1) infections in adults and children 4 weeks of age and older. Lexiva is a type of anti-HIV medicine called a protease inhibitor. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). When used with other anti-HIV medicines, Lexiva may help to reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. Lexiva helps to increase the number of white blood cells called CD4 (T) cells, which help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4 (T) cell count may improve your immune system which may reduce your risk of death or infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). Lexiva does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. If your child is taking Lexiva, your child’s healthcare provider will decide the right dose based on your child’s weight. You can take Lexiva tablets with or without food.

Fosamprenavir Possible Side Effects

Some people with liver problems, including hepatitis B or C, may have an increased risk of developing worsening liver problem during treatment with Lexiva. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects and they are severe and bothersome. Most of the side effect are manageable and may go away on their own.
• Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome);
• Changes in body fat. These changes can happen in people who take antiretroviral therapy. The changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the back, chest, and stomach area. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen;
• Changes in blood tests. These include increases seen in liver function tests, blood fat levels, and decreases in white blood cells;
• Diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia): an increase in thirst or urinate often while taking Lexiva;
• Diarrhea;
• Headache;
• Increased bleeding problems in some people with hemophilia;
• Kidney stones;
• Nausea;
• Severe skin rash. Lexiva may cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions or rash: hives or sores in your mouth, or your skin blisters and peels, trouble swallowing or breathing, swelling of your face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat;
• Vomiting

Fosamprenavir Guidelines

Do not take Lexiva if you are allergic to Agenerase (amprenavir), fosamprenavir calcium, or any of the ingredients in Lexiva. Before taking Lexiva, tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to medicines that contain sulfa; have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C; have kidney problems; have high blood sugar (diabetes); have hemophilia; have any other medical condition; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take. Also tell your healthcare provider about any vitamins, herbal supplements, and dietary supplements you are taking. Taking Lexiva with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take quetiapine (Seroquel); medicines to treat liver problems, including hepatitis C infection; estrogen-based contraceptives (birth control pills). Lexiva may reduce effectiveness of estrogen-based contraceptives. During treatment with Lexiva, you should use a different contraceptive method. Do not take Lexiva if you take any of the following medicines: alfuzosin; flecainide; propafenone (Rythmol SR); rifampin (Rifadin); ergot including dihydroergotamine mesylate, ergotamine tartrate, methylergonovine; St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum); lovastatin; simvastatin; pimozide; delavirdine mesylate; sildenafil, for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension; triazolam; lurasidone. You should remain under the care of your healthcare provider when using Lexiva. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others.