Viracept is a widely registered antiviral preparation, marketed in 34 countries across Europe, North America, and selected adjacent markets. Its active ingredient is nelfinavir, classified within the broad category of antivirals for systemic use. The page is intended for travellers, expatriates, and family members trying to identify the medication or locate an equivalent abroad.
Nelfinavir is used in the management of infection, within the framework of systemic antiviral therapy. Antivirals in this category are typically prescribed as part of structured treatment regimens rather than as standalone short-course products, and the specific role of any given agent depends on the underlying infection and the wider combination it sits within. The structured indication list further down this page details the registered uses recognised across the markets where Viracept is sold.
Because Viracept is registered in a substantial number of jurisdictions, travellers and expatriates may encounter it under the same name in markets such as Canada, Germany, France, Finland, and Greece, although packaging, regulatory status, and prescription pathways vary considerably from one country to another. The same active ingredient also circulates internationally under other brand names depending on the manufacturer and the local market.
Other antivirals for systemic use exist in many of the same markets, covering a range of molecules and indications that are not freely interchangeable. A pharmacist in the destination country can help identify which products are locally available and which require a specialist referral. Any decision about starting, continuing, or substituting an antiviral medication belongs with a healthcare provider familiar with the patient's history.
Human experience of acute overdose with VIRACEPT is limited. There is no specific antidote for overdose with VIRACEPT. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug should be achieved by emesis or gastric lavage. Administration of activated charcoal may also be used to aid removal of unabsorbed drug. Since nelfinavir is highly protein bound, dialysis is unlikely to significantly remove drug from blood.
Coadministration of VIRACEPT is contraindicated with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events. These drugs and other contraindicated drugs (which may lead to reduced efficacy of nelfinavir) are listed in Table 3 [also see DRUG INTERACTIONS, Table 6].
Table 3: Drugs That Are Contraindicated With VIRACEPT
| Drug Class | Drugs Within Class That Are Contraindicated With VIRACEPT | Clinical Comment |
| Alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist | Alfuzosin | Potentially increased alfuzosin concentrations can result in hypotension. |
| Antiarrhythmics | Amiodarone, quinidine | Potential for serious and/or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. |
| Antimycobacterial Agents | Rifampin | Plasma concentrations of nelfinavir can be reduced by concomitant use of rifampin. This may lead to loss of therapeutic effect and possible development of resistance to VIRACEPT or other coadministered antiretroviral agents. |
| Ergot Derivatives | Dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine | Potential for serious and/or life threatening reactions such as ergot toxicity characterized by peripheral vasospasm and ischemia of the extremities and other tissues. |
| GI Motility Agent | Cisapride | Potential for serious and/or life threatening reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias. |
| Herbal products | St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) | Plasma concentrations of nelfinavir can be reduced by concomitant use of the herbal preparation St. John’s wort. This may lead to loss of therapeutic effect and possible development of resistance to VIRACEPT or other coadministered antiretroviral agents. |
| HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors | Lovastatin, Simvastatin | Potential for serious reactions such as myopathy including rhabdomyolysis. |
| Neuroleptics | Pimozide | Potential for serious and/or life threatening reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias. |
| PDE5 Inhibitors | Sildenafil (Revatio®) [for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension]a | A safe and effective dose has not been established when used with nelfinavir. There is increased potential for sildenafil-associated adverse events (which include visual disturbances, hypotension, prolonged erection, and syncope). |
| Sedative/Hypnotic s | Triazolam, oral midazolam | Potential for serious and/or life threatening reactions such as prolonged or increased sedation or respiratory depression. |
| a See DRUG INTERACTIONS, Table 6 for coadministration of sildenafil and tadalafil when dosed for erectile dysfunction. |
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Clinical Trials Experience: Adults And Adolescents (13 Years and Older)The safety of VIRACEPT was studied in over 5000 patients who received drug either alone or in combination with nucleoside analogues. The majority of adverse events were of mild intensity. The most frequently reported adverse event among patients receiving VIRACEPT was diarrhea, which was generally of mild to moderate intensity.
Drug-related clinical adverse experiences of moderate or severe intensity in ≥ 2% of patients treated with VIRACEPT coadministered with d4T and 3TC (Study 542) for up to 48 weeks, or with ZDV plus 3TC (Study 511) for up to 24 weeks are presented in Table 4.
Table 4: Percentage of Patients with
Treatment-Emergent* Adverse Events of Moderate or Severe Intensity Reported in ≥
2% of Adult and Adolescent Patients
| Adverse Events | Study 511 24 weeks | Study 542 48 weeks | |||
| Placebo + ZDV/3TC (n=101) |
500 mg TID VIRACEPT + ZDV/3TC (n=97) |
750 mg TID VIRACEPT + ZDV/3TC (n=100) |
1250 mg BID VIRACEPT + d4T/3TC (n=344) |
750 mg TID VIRACEPT + d4T/3TC (n=210) |
|
| Digestive System | |||||
| Diarrhea | 3% | 14% | 20% | 20% | 15% |
| Nausea | 4% | 3% | 7% | 3% | 3% |
| Flatulence | 0 | 5% | 2% | 1% | 1% |
| Skin/Appendages | |||||
| Rash | 1% | 1% | 3% | 2% | 1% |
| * Includes those adverse events at least possibly, probably or definitely related to study drug or of unknown relationship and excludes concurrent HIV conditions | |||||
Adverse events occurring in less than 2% of patients receiving VIRACEPT in all phase 2 and 3 clinical trials and considered at least possibly related or of unknown relationship to treatment and of at least moderate severity are listed below.
Body as a Whole: abdominal pain, accidental injury, allergic reaction, asthenia, back pain, fever, headache, malaise, pain, and redistribution/accumulation of body fat.
Digestive System: anorexia, dyspepsia, epigastric pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatitis, mouth ulceration, pancreatitis, and vomiting.
Hemic/Lymphatic System: anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
Metabolic/Nutritional System: increases in alkaline phosphatase, amylase, creatine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase, SGOT, SGPT, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase; hyperlipemia, hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, dehydration, and liver function tests abnormal.
Musculoskeletal System: arthralgia, arthritis, cramps, myalgia, myasthenia, and myopathy.
Nervous System: anxiety, depression, dizziness, emotional lability, hyperkinesia, insomnia, migraine, paresthesia, seizures, sleep disorder, somnolence, and suicide ideation.
Respiratory System: dyspnea, pharyngitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis.
Skin/Appendages: dermatitis, folliculitis, fungal dermatitis, maculopapular rash, pruritus, sweating, and urticaria.
Special Senses: acute iritis and eye disorder.
Urogenital System: kidney calculus, sexual dysfunction, and urine abnormality.
Laboratory AbnormalitiesThe percentage of patients with marked laboratory abnormalities in Studies 542 and 511 are presented in Table 5. Marked laboratory abnormalities are defined as a Grade 3 or 4 abnormality in a patient with a normal baseline value, or a Grade 4 abnormality in a patient with a Grade 1 abnormality at baseline.
Table 5: Percentage of Patients by Treatment Group
with Marked Laboratory Abnormalities* in > 2% of Patients
| Study 511 | Study 542 | ||||
| Placebo+ ZDV/3TC (n=101) |
500 mg TID VIRACEPT +ZDV/3TC (n=97) |
750 mg TID VIRACEPT +ZDV/3TC (n=100) |
1250 mg BID VIRACEPT+ d4T/3TC (n=344) |
750 mg TID VIRACEPT+ d4T/3TC (n=210) |
|
| Hematology | |||||
| Hemoglobin | 6% | 3% | 2% | 0 | 0 |
| Neutrophils | 4% | 3% | 5% | 2% | 1% |
| Lymphocytes | 1% | 6% | 1% | 1% | 0 |
| Chemistry | |||||
| ALT (SGPT) | 6% | 1% | 1% | 2% | 1% |
| AST (SGOT) | 4% | 1% | 0 | 2% | 1% |
| Creatine Kinase | 7% | 2% | 2% | NA | NA |
| * Marked laboratory abnormalities are defined as a shift from Grade 0 at baseline to at least Grade 3 or from Grade 1 to Grade 4 | |||||
VIRACEPT has been studied in approximately 400 pediatric patients in clinical trials from birth to 13 years of age. The adverse event profile seen during pediatric clinical trials was similar to that for adults.
The most commonly reported drug-related, treatment-emergent adverse events reported in the pediatric studies included: diarrhea, leukopenia/neutropenia, rash, anorexia, and abdominal pain. Diarrhea, regardless of assigned relationship to study drug, was reported in 39% to 47% of pediatric patients receiving VIRACEPT in 2 of the larger treatment trials. Leukopenia/neutropenia was the laboratory abnormality most commonly reported as a significant event across the pediatric studies.
Postmarketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of VIRACEPT. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Body as a Whole: hypersensitivity reactions (including bronchospasm, moderate to severe rash, fever, and edema).
Cardiovascular System: QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes.
Digestive System: jaundice.
Metabolic/Nutritional System: bilirubinemia, metabolic acidosis.
VIRACEPT in combination with other antiretroviral agents is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.
Effects on Electrocardiogram
The effect of Viracept at the recommended dose of 1250 mg twice daily on the QTcF interval administered with a low fat meal (20% fat) was evaluated in a randomized, placebo and active (moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily) controlled, crossover study in 66 healthy subjects. The maximum mean time-matched (95% upper confidence bound) differences in QTcF interval from placebo after baselinecorrection was below 10 milliseconds, the threshold of clinical concern. This finding was unchanged when a single supratherapeutic dose of Viracept 3125 mg was administered following a 3-day administration of Viracept 1250 mg twice daily. The exposure at 3125 mg was 1.4-fold that at 1250 mg. The dose of 3125 mg in this study did not achieve the anticipated exposures in patients taking a high fat meal (50% fat) or with concomitant administration of drugs that could increase nelfinavir exposure.
No subject in any group had an increase in QTcF of ≥ 60 milliseconds from baseline. No subject experienced an interval exceeding the potentially clinically relevant threshold of 500 milliseconds.
The pharmacokinetic properties of nelfinavir were evaluated in healthy volunteers and HIV-infected patients; no substantial differences were observed between the two groups.
AbsorptionPharmacokinetic parameters of nelfinavir (area under the plasma concentration-time curve during a 24-hour period at steady-state [AUC24], peak plasma concentrations [Cmax], morning and evening trough concentrations [Ctrough]) from a pharmacokinetic study in HIV-positive patients after multiple dosing with 1250 mg (five 250 mg tablets) twice daily (BID) for 28 days (10 patients) and 750 mg (three 250 mg tablets) three times daily (TID) for 28 days (11 patients) are summarized in Table 7.
Table 7: Summary of a Pharmacokinetic Study in
HIV-positive Patients With Multiple Dosing of 1250 mg (Five 250 mg Tablets) BID
for 28 Days and 750 mg (Three 250 mg Tablets) TID for 28 Days
| Regimen | AUC24 mg•h/L |
Cmax mg/L |
Ctrough Morning mg/L |
Ctrough Afternoon or Evening mg/L |
| 1250 mg BID | 52.8 ± 15.7 | 4.0 ± 0.8 | 2.2 ± 1.3 | 0.7 ± 0.4 |
| 750 mg TID | 43.6 ± 17.8 | 3.0 ± 1.6 | 1.4 ± 0.6 | 1.0 ± 0.5 |
| Data are mean ± SD |
The difference between morning and afternoon or evening trough concentrations for the TID and BID regimens was also observed in healthy volunteers who were dosed at precisely 8- or 12-hour intervals.
In healthy volunteers receiving a single 1250 mg dose, the 625 mg tablet was not bioequivalent to the 250 mg tablet formulation. Under fasted conditions (n=27), the AUC and Cmax were 34% and 24% higher, respectively, for the 625 mg tablets. In a relative bioavailability assessment under fed conditions (n=28), the AUC was 24% higher for the 625 mg tablet; the Cmax was comparable for both formulations. In HIV-1 infected subjects (N=21) receiving multiple doses of 1250 mg BID under fed conditions, the 625 mg formulation was bioequivalent to the 250 mg formulation based on similarity in steady state exposure (Cmax and AUC).
Table 8 shows the summary of the steady state pharmacokinetic parameters (mean ± SD) of nelfinavir after multiple dose administration of 1250 mg BID (2 x 625 mg tablets) to HIV-infected patients (N=21) for 14 days.
Table 8: Summary of the Steady State Pharmacokinetic
Parameters (Mean ± SD) of Nelfinavir After Multiple Dose Administration of 1250
mg BID (2 x 625 mg Tablets) to HIV-infected Patients (N=21) for 14 Days.
| Regimen | AUC12 mg•h/L |
Cmax mg/L |
Cmin mg/L |
| 1250 mg BID | 35.3 (16.4) | 4.7 (1.9) | 1.5 (1.0) |
| AUC12: Steady state AUC Cmax: Maximum plasma concentration at steady state Cmin: Minimum plasma concentration at steady state |
In healthy volunteers receiving a single 750 mg dose under fed conditions, nelfinavir concentrations were similar following administration of the 250 mg tablet and oral powder.
Effect of Food on Oral AbsorptionFood increases nelfinavir exposure and decreases nelfinavir pharmacokinetic variability relative to the fasted state. In one study, healthy volunteers received a single dose of 1250 mg of VIRACEPT 250 mg tablets (5 tablets) under fasted or fed conditions (three different meals). In a second study, healthy volunteers received single doses of 1250 mg VIRACEPT (5 x 250 mg tablets) under fasted or fed conditions (two different fat content meals). The results from the two studies are summarized in Table 9 and Table 10, respectively.
Table 9: Increase in AUC, Cmax and Tmax for Nelfinavir
in Fed State Relative to Fasted State Following 1250 mg VIRACEPT (5 x 250 mg
Tablets)
| Number of Kcal | % Fat | Number of subjects | AUC fold increase | Cmax fold increase | Increase in Tmax (hr) |
| 125 | 20 | n=21 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 1.00 |
| 500 | 20 | n=22 | 3.1 | 2.3 | 2.00 |
| 1000 | 50 | n=23 | 5.2 | 3.3 | 2.00 |
Table 10: Increase in Nelfinavir AUC, Cmax and Tmax in
Fed Low Fat (20%) versus High Fat (50%) State Relative to Fasted State
Following 1250 mg VIRACEPT (5 x 250 mg Tablets)
| Number of Kcal | % Fat | Number of subjects | AUC fold increase | Cmax fold increase | Increase in Tmax (hr) |
| 500 | 20 | n=22 | 3.1 | 2.5 | 1.8 |
| 500 | 50 | n=22 | 5.1 | 3.8 | 2.1 |
Nelfinavir exposure can be increased by increasing the calorie or fat content in meals taken with VIRACEPT.
A food effect study has not been conducted with the 625 mg tablet. However, based on a cross-study comparison (n=26 fed vs. n=26 fasted) following single dose administration of nelfinavir 1250 mg, the magnitude of the food effect for the 625 mg nelfinavir tablet appears comparable to that of the 250 mg tablets. VIRACEPT should be taken with a meal.
DistributionThe apparent volume of distribution following oral administration of nelfinavir was 2-7 L/kg. Nelfinavir in serum is extensively protein-bound ( > 98%).
MetabolismUnchanged nelfinavir comprised 82-86% of the total plasma radioactivity after a single oral 750 mg dose of 14C-nelfinavir. In vitro, multiple cytochrome P-450 enzymes including CYP3A and CYP2C19 are responsible for metabolism of nelfinavir. One major and several minor oxidative metabolites were found in plasma. The major oxidative metabolite has in vitro antiviral activity comparable to the parent drug.
EliminationThe terminal half-life in plasma was typically 3.5 to 5 hours. The majority (87%) of an oral 750 mg dose containing 14C-nelfinavir was recovered in the feces; fecal radioactivity consisted of numerous oxidative metabolites (78%) and unchanged nelfinavir (22%). Only 1-2% of the dose was recovered in urine, of which unchanged nelfinavir was the major component.
VIRACEPT should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women taking VIRACEPT.
There were no effects on fetal development or maternal toxicity when nelfinavir was administered to pregnant rats at systemic exposures (AUC) comparable to human exposure. Administration of nelfinavir to pregnant rabbits resulted in no fetal development effects up to a dose at which a slight decrease in maternal body weight was observed; however, even at the highest dose evaluated, systemic exposure in rabbits was significantly lower than human exposure. Additional studies in rats indicated that exposure to nelfinavir in females from mid-pregnancy through lactation had no effect on the survival, growth, and development of the offspring to weaning. Subsequent reproductive performance of these offspring was also not affected by maternal exposure to nelfinavir.
Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR)To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to VIRACEPT and other antiretroviral agents, an Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients by calling (800) 258-4263.
VIRACEPT 250 mg Tablet: Light-blue, capsule-shaped tablets with a clear film coating engraved with “VIRACEPT” on one side and “250 mg” on the other.
VIRACEPT 625 mg Tablet: White oval tablet with a clear film coating engraved with “V” on one side and “625” on the other.
VIRACEPT Oral Powder: Off-white powder containing 50 mg (as nelfinavir-free base) in each level scoopful (1 gram).
Storage And HandlingVIRACEPT (nelfinavir mesylate) 250 mg: Light-blue, capsule-shaped tablets with a clear film coating engraved with “VIRACEPT” on one side and “250 mg” on the other.
Bottles of 300 (250 mg) tablets – NDC 63010-010-30
VIRACEPT (nelfinavir mesylate) 625 mg: White oval tablet with a clear film coating engraved with “V” on one side and “625” on the other.
Bottles of 120 (625 mg) tablets – NDC 63010-027-70
VIRACEPT (nelfinavir mesylate) Oral Powder is available as a 50 mg/g off-white powder containing 50 mg (as nelfinavir free base) in each level scoopful (1 gram).
Multiple use bottles of 144 grams of powder with scoop …….NDC 63010-011-90
VIRACEPT tablets and oral powder should be stored at 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).
Keep container tightly closed. Dispense in original container.
Distributed by: ViiV Healthcare Company, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Revised: March 2015
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONSALERT: Find out about medicines that should not be taken with VIRACEPT. This statement is included on the product's bottle label.
Risk Of Serious Adverse Reactions Due To Drug InteractionsInitiation of VIRACEPT, a CYP3A inhibitor, in patients receiving medications metabolized by CYP3A or initiation of medications metabolized by CYP3A in patients already receiving VIRACEPT, may increase plasma concentrations of medications metabolized by CYP3A. Initiation of medications that inhibit or induce CYP3A may increase or decrease concentrations of VIRACEPT, respectively. These interactions may lead to:
See Table 6 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during VIRACEPT therapy; review concomitant medications during VIRACEPT therapy; and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with the concomitant medications.
Hepatic ImpairmentVIRACEPT should not be used in patients with either moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C, score greater than or equal to 7).
PhenylketonuricsViracept Oral Powder contains phenylalanine, a component of aspartame. Each gram of VIRACEPT powder contains 11.2 mg phenylalanine. Phenylalanine can be harmful to patients with phenylketonuria.
Diabetes Mellitus/HyperglycemiaNew onset diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia have been reported during postmarketing surveillance in HIV-infected patients receiving protease inhibitor therapy. Some patients required either initiation or dose adjustments of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents for treatment of these events. In some cases diabetic ketoacidosis has occurred. In those patients who discontinued protease inhibitor therapy, hyperglycemia persisted in some cases. Because these events have been reported voluntarily during clinical practice, estimates of frequency cannot be made and a causal relationship between protease inhibitor therapy and these events has not been established.
HemophiliaThere have been reports of increased bleeding, including spontaneous skin hematomas and hemarthrosis, in patients with hemophilia type A and B treated with protease inhibitors. In some patients, additional factor VIII was given. In more than half of the reported cases, treatment with protease inhibitors was continued or reintroduced. A causal relationship has not been established.
Fat RedistributionRedistribution/accumulation of body fat including central obesity, dorsocervical fat enlargement (“buffalo hump”), peripheral wasting, facial wasting, breast enlargement, and “cushingoid appearance” have been observed in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. The mechanism and long-term consequences of these events are currently unknown. A causal relationship has not been established.
Immune Reconstitution SyndromeImmune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including VIRACEPT. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections [such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP), or tuberculosis], which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.
Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves' disease, polymyositis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution; however, the time to onset is more variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.
Patient Counseling InformationSee FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION)
A statement to patients and healthcare providers is included on the product's bottle label: ALERT: Find out about medicines that should NOT be taken with VIRACEPT.
For optimal absorption, patients should be advised to take VIRACEPT with food.
Patients should be informed that VIRACEPT Tablets are film-coated and that this film-coating is intended to make the tablets easier to swallow.
If a dose of VIRACEPT is missed, patients should take the dose as soon as possible and then return to their normal schedule. However, if a dose is skipped, the patient should not double the next dose.
Adult or pediatric patients unable to swallow the tablets may dissolve the tablets in a small amount of water:
Pediatric patients unable to swallow tablets can also use the powder formulation:
VIRACEPT may interact with some drugs; therefore, patients should be advised to report to their doctor the use of any other prescription, non-prescription medication or herbal products, particularly St. John's wort.
Patients receiving oral contraceptives should be instructed that alternate or additional contraceptive measures should be used during therapy with VIRACEPT.
Patients receiving sildenafil, or other PDE5 inhibitors, and nelfinavir should be advised that they may be at an increased risk of PDE5 inhibitor-associated adverse events including hypotension, visual changes, and prolonged penile erection, and should promptly report any symptoms to their doctor.
Hepatic ImpairmentPatients should be informed that VIRACEPT should not be used if there is moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
PhenylketonuriaPhysicians should alert patients with phenylketonuria that VIRACEPT Oral Powder contains phenylalanine
Fat RedistributionPatients should be informed that redistribution or accumulation of body fat may occur in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, including PREZISTA/ritonavir, and that the cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time
The most frequent adverse event associated with VIRACEPT is diarrhea, which can usually be controlled with non-prescription drugs, such as loperamide, which slow gastrointestinal motility.
General InformationVIRACEPT is not a cure for HIV-1 infection and patients may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. Patients should remain under the care of a physician when using VIRACEPT. Patients should be advised to avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others.
Patients should be told that sustained decreases in plasma HIV RNA have been associated with a reduced risk of progression to AIDSÂ and death.
Patients should remain under the care of a physician while using VIRACEPT. Patients should be advised to take VIRACEPT and other concomitant antiretroviral therapy every day as prescribed. Patients should not alter the dose or discontinue therapy without consulting with their doctor.
Nonclinical Toxicology Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of FertilityCarcinogenicity studies in mice and rats were conducted with nelfinavir at oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day. No evidence of a tumorigenic effect was noted in mice at systemic exposures (Cmax) up to 9-fold those measured in humans at the recommended therapeutic dose (750 mg TID or 1250 mg BID). In rats, thyroid follicular cell adenomas and carcinomas were increased in males at 300 mg/kg/day and higher and in females at 1000 mg/kg/day. Systemic exposures (Cmax) at 300 and 1000 mg/kg/day were 1- to 3-fold, respectively, those measured in humans at the recommended therapeutic dose. Repeated administration of nelfinavir to rats produced effects consistent with hepatic microsomal enzyme induction and increased thyroid hormone deposition; these effects predispose rats, but not humans, to thyroid follicular cell neoplasms. Nelfinavir showed no evidence of mutagenic or clastogenic activity in a battery of in vitro and in vivo genetic toxicology assays. These studies included bacterial mutation assays in S. typhimurium and E. coli, a mouse lymphoma tyrosine kinase assay, a chromosomal aberration assay in human lymphocytes, and an in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.
Nelfinavir produced no effects on either male or female mating and fertility or embryo survival in rats at systemic exposures comparable to the human therapeutic exposure.
Use In Specific Populations Pregnancy Pregnancy Category BVIRACEPT should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women taking VIRACEPT.
There were no effects on fetal development or maternal toxicity when nelfinavir was administered to pregnant rats at systemic exposures (AUC) comparable to human exposure. Administration of nelfinavir to pregnant rabbits resulted in no fetal development effects up to a dose at which a slight decrease in maternal body weight was observed; however, even at the highest dose evaluated, systemic exposure in rabbits was significantly lower than human exposure. Additional studies in rats indicated that exposure to nelfinavir in females from mid-pregnancy through lactation had no effect on the survival, growth, and development of the offspring to weaning. Subsequent reproductive performance of these offspring was also not affected by maternal exposure to nelfinavir.
Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR)To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to VIRACEPT and other antiretroviral agents, an Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients by calling (800) 258-4263.
Nursing MothersThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that HIV-infected mothers not breast-feed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV. Studies in lactating rats have demonstrated that nelfinavir is excreted in milk. Because of both the potential for HIV transmission and the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, mothers should be instructed not to breast-feed if they are receiving VIRACEPT.
Pediatric UseThe safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic profile and efficacy of VIRACEPT were evaluated in HIV infected pediatric patients from 2 to 13 years of age in multicenter clinical trials, Study 556 and PACTG 337. In patients less than 2 years of age, VIRACEPT was found to be safe at the doses studied, but a reliably effective dose could not be established. The pharmacokinetic profile, safety and antiviral activity of VIRACEPT in adolescent patients 13 years and older is supported by data from the adult clinical trials where some trials allowed enrolment of subjects 13 years and older. Thus, the data for adolescents and adults were analyzed collectively.
Geriatric UseClinical studies of VIRACEPT did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Hepatic ImpairmentVIRACEPT should not be used in patients with either moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C, score greater than or equal to 7). No dose adjustment of VIRACEPT is necessary for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A, score 5-6).
Renal ImpairmentThe safety and efficacy of VIRACEPT have not been established in patients with renal impairment.
The recommended dose is 1250 mg (five 250 mg tablets or two 625 mg tablets) twice daily or 750 mg (three 250 mg tablets) three times daily. VIRACEPT should be taken with a meal. Patients unable to swallow the 250 or 625 mg tablets may dissolve the tablets in a small amount of water.
Pediatric Patients (2 to Less than 13 Years)In children 2 years of age and older, the recommended oral dose of VIRACEPT Oral Powder or 250 mg tablets is 45 to 55 mg/kg twice daily or 25 to 35 mg/kg three times daily. All doses should be taken with a meal. Doses higher than the adult maximum dose of 2500 mg per day have not been studied in children.
For children unable to swallow tablets, VIRACEPT 250 mg tablet(s) may be dissolved in a small amount of water or, VIRACEPT Oral Powder may be administered.
The healthcare provider should assess appropriate formulation and dosage for each patient. Tables 1 and 2 provide dosing guidelines for VIRACEPT tablets and powder based on age and body weight.
Table 1: Dosing Table for Children 2 to less than 13
years of age (tablets)
| Body weight Kg | Twice daily (BID) 45 - 55 mg/kg ≥ 2 years | Three times daily (TID) 25 - 35 mg/kg ≥ 2 years |
| Number of tablets (250 mg) | Number of tablets (250 mg) | |
| 10 - 12 | 2 | 1 |
| 13 - 18 | 3 | 2 |
| 19 - 20 | 4 | 2 |
| ≥ 21 | 4 - 5* | 3† |
| * For BID dosing, the maximum dose per day is 5 tablets BID † For TID dosing, the maximum dose per day is 3 tablets TID |
Table 2: Dosing Table for Children 2 to less than 13
years of age (powder)
| Body weight Kg | Twice daily (BID) 45 - 55 mg/kg | Three times daily (TID) 25 - 35 mg/kg | ||
| Scoops of powder (50 mg/1 g) | Teaspoons* of powder | Scoops of powder (50 mg/1 g) | Teaspoons* of powder | |
| 9.0 to < 10.5 | 10 | 2½ | 6 | 1½ |
| 10.5 to < 12 | 11 | 2 3/4 | 7 | 1 3/4 |
| 12 to < 14 | 13 | 3 1/4 | 8 | 2 |
| 14 to < 16 | 15 | 3% | 9 | 2% |
| 16 to < 18 | Not recommended† | Not recommended† | 10 | 2½ |
| 18 to < 23 | Not recommended† | Not recommended† | 12 | 3 |
| ≥ 23 | Not recommended† | Not recommended† | 15 | 3 3/4 |
| * If a teaspoon is used to measure VIRACEPT oral powder,
1 level teaspoon contains 200 mg of VIRACEPT (4 level scoops equals 1 level
teaspoon) † Use VIRACEPT 250 mg tablet |
VIRACEPT can be used in patients with mild hepatic impairment without any dose adjustment. VIRACEPT should not be used in patients with either moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
CYP3A and CYP2C19 appear to be the predominant enzymes that metabolize nelfinavir in humans. The potential ability of nelfinavir to inhibit the major human cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP1A2 and CYP2E1) has been investigated in vitro. Only CYP3A was inhibited at concentrations in the therapeutic range. Specific drug interaction studies were performed with nelfinavir and a number of drugs. Table 12 summarizes the effects of nelfinavir on the geometric mean AUC, Cmax and Cmin of coadministered drugs. Table 13 shows the effects of coadministered drugs on the geometric mean AUC, Cmax and Cmin of nelfinavir.
Table 12: Drug Interactions: Changes in Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Coadministered Drug in the Presence of VIRACEPT
| Coadministered Drug | Nelfinavir Dose | N | % Change of Coadministered Drug Pharmacokinetic Parameters* (90% CI) | ||
| AUC | Cmax | Cmin | |||
| HIV-Protease Inhibitors | |||||
| Indinavir 800 mg Single Dose | 750 mg q8h x 7 days | 6 | ↑51% (↑29-↑77%) |
↓10% (↓28-↑13%) |
NA |
| Ritonavir 500 mg Single Dose | 750 mg q8h x 5 doses | 10 | ↔ | ↔ | NA |
| Saquinavir 1200 mg Single Dose† | 750 mg TID x 4 days | 14 | ↑392% (↑291-↑521%) |
↑179% (↑117-↑259%) |
NA |
| Amprenavir 800 mg TID x 14 days | 750 mg TID x 14 days | 6 | ↔ | ↓14% (↓38-↑20%) |
↑189% (↑52-↑448%) |
| Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors | |||||
| Lamivudine 150 mg Single Dose | 750 mg q8h x 7-10 days | 11 | ↑10% (↑2-↑18%) |
↑31% (↑9-↑56%) |
NA |
| Zidovudine 200 mg Single Dose | 750 mg q8h x 7-10 days | 11 | ↓35% (↓29-↓40%) |
↓31% (↓13-↓46%) |
NA |
| Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors | |||||
| Efavirenz 600 mg qd x 7 days | 750 mg q8h x 7 days | 10 | ↓12% (↓31-↑12%) |
↓12% (↓29-↑8%) |
↓22% (↓54-↑32%) |
| Delavirdine 400 mg q8h x 14 days | 750 mg q8h x 7 days | 7 | ↓31% (↓57-↑10%) |
↓27% (↓49-↑4%) |
↓33% (↓70-↑49%) |
| Anti-infective Agents | |||||
| Rifabutin 150 mg qd x 8 days§ | 750 mg q8h x 7-8 days1 | 12 | ↑83% (↑72-↑96%) |
↑19% (↑11-↑28%) |
↑177% (↑144-↑215%) |
| Rifabutin 300 mg qd x 8 days | 750 mg q8h x 7-8 days | 10 | ↑207% (↑161-↑263%) |
↑146% (↑118-↑178%) |
↑305% (↑245-↑375%) |
| Azithromycin 1200 mg Single Dose | 750 mg TID x 11 days | 12 | ↑112% (↑80-↑150%) |
↑136% (↑77-↑215%) |
NA |
| HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors | |||||
| Atorvastatin 10 mg qd x 28 days | 1250 mg BID x 14 days | 15 | ↑74% (↑41-↑116%) |
↑122% (↑68-↑193%) |
↑39% (↓21-↑145%) |
| Simvastatin 20 mg qd x 28 days | 1250 mg BID x 14 days | 16 | ↑505% (↑393-↑643%) |
↑517% (↑367-↑715%) |
ND |
| Other Agents | |||||
| Ethinyl estradiol 35 |ag qd x 15 days | 750 mg q8h x 7 days | 12 | ↓47% (↓42-↓52%) |
↓28% (↓16-↓37%) |
↓62% (↓57-↓67%) |
| Norethindrone 0.4 mg qd x 15 days | 750 mg q8h x 7 days | 12 | ↓18% (↓13-↓23%) |
↔ | ↓46% (↓38-↓53%) |
| Methadone 80 mg ± 21 mg qd# > 1 month | 1250 mg BID x 8 days | 13 | ↓47% (↓42-↓51%) |
↓46% (↓42-↓49%) |
↓53% (↓49-↓57%) |
| Phenytoin 300 mg qd x 14 daysÞ | 1250 mg BID x 7 days | 12 | ↓29% (↓17-↓39%) |
↓21% (↓12-↓29%) |
↓39% (↓27-↓49%) |
| NA: Not relevant for single-dose treatment; ND: Cannot be
determined * ↑ Indicates increase; ↓ Indicates decrease; ↔ Indicates no change (geometric mean exposure increased, or decreased < 10%) † Using the soft-gelatin capsule formulation of saquinavir 1200 mg § Rifabutin 150 mg qd changes are relative to Rifabutin 300 mg qd x 8 days without coadministration with nelfinavir ¶Comparable changes in rifabutin concentrations were observed with VIRACEPT 1250 mg q12h x 7 days # Changes are reported for total plasma methadone; changes for the individual R-enantiomer and S-enantiomer were similar Þ Phenytoin exposure measures are reported for total phenytoin exposure. The effect of nelfinavir on unbound phenytoin was similar |
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Table 13: Drug Interactions: Changes in
Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Nelfinavir in the Presence of the Coadministered
Drug
| Coadministered Drug | Nelfinavir Dose | N | % Change of Nelfinavir Pharmacokinetic Parameters* (90% CI) | ||
| AUC | C max | C min | |||
| HIV-Protease Inhibitors | |||||
| Indinavir 800 mg q8h x 7 days | 750 mg Single Dose | 6 | ↑83% (↑42-↑137%) |
↑31% (↑16-↑48%) |
NA |
| Ritonavir 500 mg q12h x 3 doses | 750 mg Single Dose | 10 | ↑152% (↑96-↑224%) |
↑44% (↑28-↑63%) |
NA |
| Saquinavir 1200 mg TID x 4 dayst | 750 mg Single Dose | 14 | ↑18% (↑7-↑30%) |
↔ | NA |
| Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors | |||||
| Didanosine 200 mg Single Dose | 750 mg Single Dose | 9 | ↔ | ↔ | NA |
| Zidovudine 200 mg + Lamivudine 150 mg Single Dose | 750 mg q8h x 7-10 days | 11 | ↔ | ↔ | ↔ |
| Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors | |||||
| Efavirenz 600 mg qd x 7 days | 750 mg q8h x 7 days | 7 | ↑20% (↑8-↑34%) |
↑21% (↑10-↑33%) |
↔ |
| Nevirapine 200 mg qd x 14 days followed by 200 mg BID x 14 days | 750 mg TID x 36 days | 23 | ↔ | ↔ | ↓32% (↓50-↑5%) |
| Delavirdine 400 mg q8h x 7 days | 750 mg q8h x 14 days | 12 | ↑107% (↑83-↑135%) |
↑88% (↑66-↑113%) |
↑136% (↑103-↑175%) |
| Anti-infective Agents | |||||
| Ketoconazole 400 mg qd x 7 days | 500 mg q8h x 5-6 days | 12 | ↑35% (↑24-↑46%) |
↑25% (↑11-↑40%) |
↑14% (↓23-↑69%) |
| Rifabutin 150 mg qd x 8 days | 750 mg q8h x 7-8 days | 11 | ↓23% (↓14-↓31%) |
↓18% (↓8-↓27%) |
↓25% (↓8-↓39%) |
| 1250 mg q12h x 7-8 days | 11 | ↔ | ↔ | ↓15% (↓43-↑27%) |
|
| Rifabutin 300 mg qd x 8 days | 750 mg q8h x 7-8 days | 10 | ↓32% (↓15-↓46%) |
↓24% (↓10-↓36%) |
↓53% (↓15-↓73%) |
| Rifampin 600 mg qd x 7 days | 750 mg q8h x 5-6 days | 12 | ↓83% (↓79-↓86%) |
↓76% (↓69-↓82%) |
↓92% (↓86-↓95%) |
| Azithromycin 1200 mg Single Dose | 750 mg tid x 9 days | 12 | ↓15% (↓7-↓22%) |
↓10% (↓19-↑1%) |
↓29% (↓19-↓38%) |
| Other Agents | |||||
| Phenytoin 300 mg qd x 7 days | 1250 mg BID x 14 days | 15 | ↔ | ↔ | ↓18% (↓45-↑23%) |
| Omeprazole 40 mg qd x 4 days administered 30 minutes before nelfinavir | 1250 mg BID x 4 days | 19 | ↓36% (↓20-↓49%) |
↓37% (↓23-↓49%) |
↓39% (↓15-↓57%) |
| NA: Not relevant for single-dose treatment * ↑ Indicates increase; ↓ Indicates decrease; ↔ Indicates no change (geometric mean exposure increased or decreased < 10%) † Using the soft-gelatin capsule formulation of saquinavir 1200 mg |
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Viracept is prescribed in the management of infection, falling within the broad category of antivirals for systemic use. Nelfinavir has historically been used as part of combination antiretroviral regimens, where multiple agents are paired to address viral replication from different angles. The structured indication block further down this page lists the registered uses recognised by the regulators in markets where Viracept is sold.
Viracept contains nelfinavir, classified within the antivirals for systemic use category. Nelfinavir is the same molecule regardless of which brand carries it, and the broader antiviral category covers a wide range of active ingredients used in different infection contexts. Internationally, antiviral medicines circulate under a variety of commercial names depending on the manufacturer and the local regulatory pathway.
Viracept is registered in 34 countries, with a footprint that extends across much of Europe and into North America. Representative markets include Canada, Germany, France, Finland, Greece, and Ireland. If your country is not represented in the list shown on this page, a local pharmacist can usually confirm whether nelfinavir or a comparable antiviral is available locally under a different brand name.
Nelfinavir has been marketed under more than one brand name internationally, and the wider antivirals for systemic use category covers many distinct molecules used in different infection settings. Agents within this category are not freely interchangeable — selection depends on the specific infection, regimen, and patient circumstances. To identify a locally available product, search the active ingredient on Pill2Trip or speak with a pharmacist or specialist.
Yes. Viracept is a prescription medication, and antiviral therapy is generally calibrated to the specific infection, the overall treatment regimen, and the individual patient. This matters especially for travellers and people relocating between countries, where prescription rules, available brand names, and accompanying medications in a regimen can all differ. Any decision to start, continue, switch, or substitute should be made with a healthcare provider.
