What is this medication for?
Amprenavir belongs to the group of medications known as protease inhibitors.
It is used in combination with other medications to treat people who have
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Amprenavir does not cure HIV
or AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others. It does slow further
growth or reproduction of HIV when used in combination with other medications,
and it seems to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help
to delay the development of problems that are related to AIDS or HIV disease.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Agenerase® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The dose of amprenavir capsules and oral solution are not equivalent. Do not
substitute one form of amprenavir for the other. Take as directed by your doctor
and pharmacist.
Capsules: For people not taking the antiviral medication ritonavir,
the usual recommended dose of amprenavir for adults and adolescents over 12
years of age is 1,200 mg twice daily. If a person is also taking ritonavir,
a lower dose may be used. The capsules should be swallowed whole. They should
not be crushed or chewed.
For children aged 4 to 12 years, the dose of this medication is determined
by your doctor based on weight and recommended doses.
Oral solution: The oral (by mouth) solution is recommended only for
people who cannot swallow capsules and are not taking ritonavir oral
solution.
The usual recommended dosage is based on age and body weight.
Amprenavir may be taken with or without food. It should not be taken with a
high-fat meal, because this reduces the amount of medication that is absorbed
by the body.
Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture,
and keep it out of the reach of children.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be used on a regular schedule as
prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, check with
your healthcare professional. Do not take a double dose to make up for a
missed one.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Amprenavir (capsules and oral solution) should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to amprenavir or any ingredients of the medication
- is taking any of the following:
- benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, triazolam)
- cisapride
- ergot derivatives (e.g., dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine,
methylergonovine)
- flecainide or propafenone (if using amprenavir with ritonavir)
- pimozide
Amprenavir oral solution should not be used by anyone who:
- has liver or kidney failure
- is pregnant
- is taking disulfiram or metronidazole
- is younger than four years of age
