Viracept Drug Information

Generic name: NELFINAVIR MESYLATE

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Uses of Viracept

in combination with other antiretroviral agents is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. VIRACEPT is a protease inhibitor indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents.

Dosage & Administration of Viracept

10 – 122
13 – 183
19 – 204
≥214 – 5For BID dosing, the maximum dose per day is 5 tablets BID

Side Effects of Viracept

  • 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.
  • Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) of moderate or severe intensity in adults and adolescents (13 years and older) are diarrhea, nausea, rash, and flatulence ( 6.1 )
  • Most common adverse reactions in pediatric patients (2 to less than 13 years) are diarrhea, leukopenia/neutropenia, rash, anorexia, and abdominal pain. ( 6.2 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 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 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 of Moderate or Severe Intensity Reported in ≥ 2% of Adult and Adolescent Patients Study 511 Study 542 24 weeks 48 weeks Adverse Events 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% 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . 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 Abnormalities The 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 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 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 6.2 Clinical Trials Experience: Pediatrics (2 to less than 13 years of age) 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. 6.3 Postmarketing Experience The 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.

Warnings & Cautions for Viracept

  • ALERT: Find out about medicines that should not be taken with VIRACEPT. This statement is included on the product's bottle label. ALERT: Find out about medicines that should not be taken with VIRACEPT.
  • The concomitant use of VIRACEPT and certain other drugs may result in known or potentially significant drug interactions. Consult the full prescribing information prior to and during treatment for potential drug interactions ( 5.1 , 7.3 )
  • Hepatic impairment: should not be used in patients with either moderate or severe hepatic impairment ( 2.4 , 5.2 )
  • Phenylketonuria: the oral powder contains 11.2 mg phenylalanine per gram of powder ( 5.3 )
  • Diabetes mellitus/hyperglycemia: new onset or exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia reported with protease inhibitors. In some cases after treatment discontinuation, hyperglycemia persisted ( 5.4 )
  • Hemophilia: increased bleeding, including spontaneous skin hematomas and hemarthrosis reported with protease inhibitors. In more than half of the cases, protease inhibitors was continued or reintroduced ( 5.5 )
  • Fat redistribution: observed with antiretroviral therapy ( 5.6 )
  • Immune reconstitution syndrome: reported with combination antiretroviral therapy, including VIRACEPT. Patients may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Drug Interactions Initiation 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:
  • Clinically significant adverse reactions, potentially leading to severe, life threatening, or fatal events from greater exposures of concomitant medications.
  • Clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposures of VIRACEPT.
  • Loss of therapeutic effect of VIRACEPT and possible development of resistance. See Table 6 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . 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 [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7) ] . 5.2 Hepatic Impairment VIRACEPT 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) [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 5.3 Phenylketonurics Viracept 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. 5.4 Diabetes Mellitus/Hyperglycemia New onset diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia have been reported during post-marketing 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. 5.5 Hemophilia There 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. 5.6 Fat Redistribution Redistribution/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. 5.7 Immune Reconstitution Syndrome Immune 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.

Drug Interactions with Viracept

  • Coadministration of VIRACEPT with other drugs ( CYP3A substrates) can alter the concentration of these other drugs , and other drugs (inhibitors and/or inducers of CYP3A or CYP2C19) may alter the concentrations of nelfinavir. The potential drug-drug concentrations must be considered prior to and during therapy ( 4 , 7 , 12.3 )
  • VIRACEPT should be given with food one hour after or more than 2 hours before didanosine ( 7 ) 7.1 Potential for VIRACEPT to Affect Other Drugs Nelfinavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A. Coadministration of VIRACEPT and drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A (e.g., dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, immunosuppressants, and PDE5 inhibitors) may result in increased plasma concentrations of such drugs that could increase or prolong both its therapeutic and adverse effects (see Tables 3 and 6 ). 7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect VIRACEPT Nelfinavir is metabolized by CYP3A and CYP2C19. Coadministration of VIRACEPT and drugs that induce CYP3A or CYP2C19, such as rifampin, may decrease nelfinavir plasma concentrations and reduce its therapeutic effect. Coadministration of VIRACEPT and drugs that inhibit CYP3A or CYP2C19 may increase nelfinavir plasma concentrations. 7.3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Table 6 provides the effect on concentrations of VIRACEPT or concomitant drug as a result of coadministration with VIRACEPT. These recommendations are based on either drug interaction studies or predicted interactions due to the expected magnitude of interaction and potential for serious adverse events or loss of efficacy. Table 6: Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Alteration in Dose or Regimen May Be Recommended Based on Drug Interaction Studies [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ( Tables 12 and 13 ) for magnitude of interaction] Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration Clinical Comment HIV Antiviral Agents: Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Delavirdine ↑ nelfinavir (C min ) ↓ delavirdine Concentrations of nelfinavir were increased while concentrations of delavirdine were decreased when the two agents were coadministered. Appropriate doses of the combination, with respect to safety and efficacy, have not been established. Nevirapine ↓ nelfinavir (C min ) Concentrations of nelfinavir were decreased when coadministered with nevirapine. An appropriate dose of nelfinavir with respect to safety and efficacy has not been established. Didanosine ↔ nelfinavir There was no change in nelfinavir concentration when coadministered with didanosine. However, it is recommended that didanosine be administered on an empty stomach; therefore, didanosine should be given one hour before or two hours after VIRACEPT (given with food). HIV Antiviral Agents: Protease Inhibitors Indinavir ↑ nelfinavir ↑ indinavir Concentrations of both indinavir and nelfinavir were increased when the two agents were coadministered. Appropriate doses for these combinations, with respect to safety and efficacy, have not been established. Ritonavir ↑ nelfinavir ↔ ritonavir Concentrations of nelfinavir were increased when coadministered with ritonavir. An appropriate dose of nelfinavir for this combination, with respect to safety and efficacy, has not been established. Saquinavir ↑ nelfinavir ↑ saquinavir Concentrations of both saquinavir and nelfinavir were increased when the two agents were coadministered. Appropriate doses for these combinations, with respect to safety and efficacy, have not been established. ANTICOAGULANT Warfarin Warfarin Coadministration of warfarin and VIRACEPT may affect concentrations of warfarin. It is recommended that the INR (international normalized ratio) be monitored carefully during treatment with VIRACEPT, especially when commencing therapy. ANTICONVULSANTS Carbamazepine Phenobarbital Phenytoin ↓ nelfinavir ↓ phenytoin Concentrations of nelfinavir may be decreased. VIRACEPT may not be effective due to decreased nelfinavir plasma concentrations in patients taking these agents concomitantly. Phenytoin plasma/serum concentrations should be monitored; phenytoin dose may require adjustment to compensate for altered phenytoin concentration. ANTIDEPRESSANT Trazodone ↑ trazodone Concomitant use of trazodone and VIRACEPT may increase plasma concentrations of trazodone. Adverse events of nausea, dizziness, hypotension and syncope have been observed following coadministration of trazodone and ritonavir. If trazodone is used with a CYP3A4 inhibitor such as VIRACEPT, the combination should be used with caution and a lower dose of trazodone should be considered. ANTIGOUT Colchicine ↑ colchicines Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with VIRACEPT due to the risk of colchicine toxicity. Treatment of gout flares – co- administration of colchicine in patients on VIRACEPT: 0.6 mg (1 tablet) × 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (half tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Prophylaxis of gout-flares – coadministration of colchicine in patients on VIRACEPT: If the original colchicine regimen was 0.6 mg twice a day, the regimen should be adjusted to 0.3 mg once a day. If the original colchicine regimen was 0.6 mg once a day, the regimen should be adjusted to 0.3 mg once every other day. Treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)– coadministration of colchicine in patients on VIRACEPT: Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day). ANTIMYCOBACTERIAL Rifabutin ↑ rifabutin ↓ nelfinavir (750 mg TID) ↔ nelfinavir (1250 mg BID) It is recommended that the dose of rifabutin be reduced to one-half the usual dose when administered with VIRACEPT; 1250 mg BID is the preferred dose of VIRACEPT when coadministered with rifabutin. ENDOTHELIN RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST Bosentan ↑ bosentan Concentrations of bosentan may be increased when coadministered with VIRACEPT. Coadministration of bosentan in patients on VIRACEPT or coadministration of VIRACEPT in patients on bosentan: Start at or adjust bosentan to 62.5 mg once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability. HMG-CoA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS Atorvastatin Rosuvastatin ↑ atorvastatin ↑ rosuvastatin Titrate atorvastatin dose carefully and use the lowest necessary dose; do not exceed atorvastatin 40 mg/day. IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS Cyclosporine Tacrolimus Sirolimus ↑ immuno-suppressants ↑ nelfinavir Concentrations of these immunosuppressants and nelfinavir may be increased by coadministration of these agents with nelfinavir. INHALED BETA AGONIST Salmeterol ↑ salmeterol Concurrent administration of salmeterol with VIRACEPT is not recommended. The combination may result in increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with salmeterol, including QT prolongation, palpitations and sinus tachycardia. INHALED/NASAL STEROID Fluticasone ↑ fluticasone Concomitant use of fluticasone propionate and VIRACEPT may increase plasma concentrations of fluticasone propionate. Use with caution. Consider alternatives to fluticasone propionate, particularly for long-term use. MACROLIDE ANTIBIOTIC Azithromycin ↑ azithromycin Dose adjustment of azithromycin is not recommended, but close monitoring for known side effects such as liver enzyme abnormalities and hearing impairment is warranted. NARCOTIC ANALGESIC Methadone ↓ methadone Concentrations of methadone were decreased when coadministered with VIRACEPT. Dosage of methadone may need to be increased when coadministered with VIRACEPT. HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES Ethinyl estradiol Norethindrone ↓ ethinyl estradiol ↓ norethindrone Concentrations of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone were decreased when coadministered with VIRACEPT. Alternative or additional contraceptive measures should be used when oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol or norethindrone and VIRACEPT are coadministered. PDE5 INHIBITORS Sildenafil Vardenafil Tadalafil ↑ PDE5 Inhibitors Concomitant use of PDE5 inhibitors and VIRACEPT should be undertaken with caution. May result in an increase in PDE5 inhibitor-associated adverse events, including hypotension, syncope, visual disturbances, and priapism. Use of PDE5 inhibitors for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH):
  • Use of sildenafil (REVATIO) is contraindicated when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) [see Contraindications (4) ] .
  • The following dose adjustments are recommended for use of tadalafil (ADCIRCA™) with VIRACEPT: Coadministration of ADCIRCA in patients on VIRACEPT or coadministration of VIRACEPT in patients on ADCIRCA: Start at or adjust ADCIRCA to 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based upon individual tolerability. Use of PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction: Sildenafil at a single dose not exceeding 25 mg in 48 hours, vardenafil at a single dose not exceeding 2.5 mg in 24 hours, or tadalafil at a single dose not exceeding 10 mg dose in 72 hours, is recommended. Use with increased monitoring for adverse events. PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS Omeprazole ↓ nelfinavir Omeprazole decreases the plasma concentrations of nelfinavir. Concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors and VIRACEPT may lead to a loss of virologic response and development of resistance. ANTIPSYCHOTICS Quetiapine ↑ quetiapine Initiation of VIRACEPT in patients taking quetiapine: Consider alternative antiretroviral therapy to avoid increases in quetiapine drug exposures. If coadministration is necessary, reduce the quetiapine dose to 1/6 of the current dose and monitor for quetiapine-associated adverse reactions. Refer to the quetiapine prescribing information for recommendations on adverse reaction monitoring. Initiation of quetiapine in patients taking VIRACEPT: Refer to the quetiapine prescribing information for initial dosing and titration of quetiapine.

Pregnancy Safety for Viracept

Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to VIRACEPT during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263. Risk Summary Published reports of hepatic adverse events ranging from elevated liver enzymes to hepatic failure in pregnant patients exposed to nelfinavir have been reported (see Clinical Considerations ). Due to VIRACEPT's overall adverse event profile, including hepatic adverse events, and literature reports of decreased exposures in second and third trimesters, consider alternative antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy. Available data from the APR suggests a statistically significant increase in overall risks of major birth defects with first trimester exposure with nelfinavir (3.9%) when compared with the background rate of 2.7% in one U.S. reference population (the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program ), but the risk is similar to the background rate of 4.2% reported in another U.S. reference population (the Texas Birth Defects Registry ). No pattern of defects was identified by the APR. The clinical relevance of this statistical finding is uncertain (see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20% respectively. In animal reproductive studies, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed when nelfinavir was administered orally to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at systemic exposures similar to or less than human exposure (based on AUC) at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively (see Data ). Clinical Considerations Maternal Adverse Reactions There have been reports of hepatic adverse events ranging from elevated liver enzymes to hepatic failure in pregnant patients receiving nelfinavir as part of combination treatment of HIV-1 infection. Consider alternative antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy.

If VIRACEPT is used during pregnancy, clinical monitoring is recommended . Data Human Data Based on prospective reports to the APR of over 1,200 live births following first trimester and over 2,700 live births following second and third trimester exposure to nelfinavir-containing regimens, there was an increase in overall rates of major birth defects (n=47) with nelfinavir when compared with the background birth defect rate of 2.7% in the U.S. reference population of the MACDP. The prevalence of birth defects in live births was 3.9% (95% CI: 2.9% to 5.1%) with first trimester exposure to nelfinavir-containing regimens and 3.1% (95% CI: 2.5% to 3.9%) with the second/third trimester exposure to nelfinavir-containing regimens. The rate for nelfinavir-containing regimens is greater than the overall rates of defects in the MACDP (2.7%) but less than rates of defects in the TBDR (4.2%). Methodological limitations of the APR include the use of MACDP as the external comparator group. Limitations of using an external comparator include differences in methodology and populations, as well as confounding due to the underlying disease; these limitations preclude an accurate comparison of outcomes.

The MACDP population is not disease specific, evaluates women and infants from a limited geographic area, and does not include outcomes for births that occurred at <20 weeks gestation. Animal Data Nelfinavir was administered orally to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis, from gestation day 6 to 17 (rats) and 7 to 20 (rabbits). There were no effects on fetal development or maternal toxicity when nelfinavir was administered to pregnant rats at systemic exposures (AUC) similar 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 (gestation day 6 to lactation day 20) had no effect on the survival, growth, and development of the offspring. Subsequent reproductive performance of these offspring was also not affected by maternal exposure to nelfinavir.

Pediatric Use of Viracept

Pediatric Use The 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 .

Contraindications for Viracept

  • 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 (7) , 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. Antipsychotics Lurasidone Pimozide Potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions. Potential for serious and/or life threatening reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias. 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. PDE5 Inhibitors Sildenafil (Revatio ® ) [for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension] See Drug Interactions , Table 6 for coadministration of sildenafil and tadalafil when dosed for erectile dysfunction. 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/Hypnotics Triazolam, oral midazolam Potential for serious and/or life threatening reactions such as prolonged or increased sedation or respiratory depression.
  • Coadministration with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and which elevated concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events ( 4 )

Overdosage Information for Viracept

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.

Clinical Studies of Viracept

  • Description of Clinical Studies The efficacy of VIRACEPT is based on analyses of multiple clinical studies in HIV-1 infected antiretroviral treatment-naïve and experienced adult patients. In the adult clinical studies described below, efficacy was evaluated by the percent of patients with plasma HIV RNA <400 copies/mL (Studies 511 and 542), <500 copies/mL (Study ACTG 364), or <50 copies/mL (Study Avanti 3). In the analysis presented in each figure, patients who terminated the study early for any reason, switched therapy due to inadequate efficacy or who had a missing HIV-RNA measurement that was either preceded or followed by a measurement above the limit of assay quantification were considered to have HIV-RNA above 400 copies/mL, above 500 copies/mL, or above 50 copies/mL at subsequent time points, depending on the study's definition of virologic failure. 14.1 Studies in Antiretroviral Treatment Naïve Adult Patients Study 511: VIRACEPT + zidovudine + lamivudine versus zidovudine + lamivudine Study 511 is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial comparing treatment with zidovudine (ZDV; 200 mg TID) and lamivudine (3TC; 150 mg BID) plus 2 doses of VIRACEPT (750 mg and 500 mg TID) to zidovudine (200 mg TID) and lamivudine (150 mg BID) alone in 297 antiretroviral naïve HIV-1 infected patients. The median age was 35 years [range 21 to 63]; 89% were male and 78% were Caucasian. Mean baseline CD4 cell count was 288 cells/mm 3 and mean baseline plasma HIV RNA was 5.21 log 10 copies/mL (160,394 copies/mL). The proportion of patients with plasma HIV RNA <400 copies/mL at Week 48 was 86%, as summarized in Figure 1. The mean change in CD4 cell count at Week 48 was 207.6 cells/mm 3 . Figure 1 Study 511: Percentage of Patients With HIV RNA Below 400 Copies/mL Figure 1 Study 542: VIRACEPT BID + stavudine + lamivudine compared to VIRACEPT TID + stavudine + lamivudine Study 542 is a, randomized, open-label trial comparing the HIV RNA suppression achieved by VIRACEPT 1250 mg BID versus VIRACEPT 750 mg TID in patients also receiving stavudine (d4T; 30–40 mg BID) and lamivudine (3TC; 150 mg BID). Patients had a median age of 36 years (range 18 to 83), were 84% male, and were 91% Caucasian. Patients had received less than 6 months of therapy with nucleoside transcriptase inhibitors and were naïve to protease inhibitors. Mean baseline CD4 cell count was 296 cells/mm 3 and mean baseline plasma HIV RNA was 5.0 log 10 copies/mL (100,706 copies/mL). Results showed that there was no significant difference in mean CD4 cell count among treatment groups; the mean increases from baseline for the BID and TID arms were 150 cells/mm 3 at 24 weeks and approximately 200 cells/mm 3 at 48 weeks. The percent of patients with HIV RNA <400 copies/mL and the outcomes of patients through 48 weeks of treatment are summarized in Table 14. Table 14: Outcomes of Randomized Treatment Through 48 Weeks Outcome VIRACEPT 1250 mg BID Regimen VIRACEPT 750 mg TID Regimen Number of patients evaluable Twelve patients in the BID arm and fourteen patients in the TID arm had not yet reached 48 weeks of therapy. 323 192 HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL 198 (61%) 111 (58%) HIV-1 RNA ≥400 copies/mL 46 (14%) 22 (11%) Discontinued due to VIRACEPT toxicity These rates only reflect dose-limiting toxicities that were counted as the initial reason for treatment failure in the analysis [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . 9 (3%) 2 (1%) Discontinued due to other antiretroviral agents' toxicity 3 (1%) 3 (2%) Others Consent withdrawn, lost to follow-up, intercurrent illness, noncompliance or missing data; all assumed as failures. 67 (21%) 54 (28%) Study Avanti 3: VIRACEPT TID + zidovudine + lamivudine compared to zidovudine + lamivudine Study Avanti 3 was a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VIRACEPT (750 mg TID) in combination with zidovudine (ZDV; 300 mg BID) and lamivudine (3TC; 150 mg BID) (n=53) versus placebo in combination with ZDV and 3TC (n=52) administered to antiretroviral-naïve patients with HIV infection and a CD4 cell count between 150 and 500 cells/μL. Patients had a mean age of 35 (range 22–59), were 89% male, and 88% Caucasian. Mean baseline CD4 cell count was 304 cells/mm 3 and mean baseline plasma HIV RNA was 4.8 log 10 copies/mL (57,887 copies/mL). The percent of patients with plasma HIV RNA <50 copies/mL at 52 weeks was 54% for the (VIRACEPT + ZDV + 3TC)-treatment group and 13% for the (ZDV + 3TC)-treatment group. 14.2 Studies in Antiretroviral Treatment Experienced Adult Patients Study ACTG 364: VIRACEPT TID + 2NRTIs compared to efavirenz + 2NRTIs compared to VIRACEPT + efavirenz + 2NRTIs Study ACTG 364 was a randomized, double-blind study that evaluated the combination of VIRACEPT 750 mg TID and/or efavirenz 600 mg QD with 2 NRTIs (either didanosine [ddI] + d4T, ddI + 3TC, or d4T + 3TC) in patients with prolonged prior nucleoside exposure who had completed 2 previous ACTG studies. Patients had a mean age of 41 years (range 18 to 75), were 88% male, and were 74% Caucasian. Mean baseline CD4 cell count was 389 cells/mm 3 and mean baseline plasma HIV RNA was 3.9 log 10 copies/mL (7,954 copies/mL). The percent of patients with plasma HIV RNA <500 copies/mL at 48 weeks was 42%, 62%, and 72% for the VIRACEPT (n=66), EFV (n=65), and VIRACEPT + EFV (n=64) treatment groups, respectively. 14.3 Studies in Pediatric Patients The pharmacokinetic profile, safety and antiviral activity of VIRACEPT in pediatric patients 2 years of age up to 13 years were evaluated in 2 randomized studies. Study 556 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with VIRACEPT or placebo coadministered with ZDV and ddI in 141 HIV-positive children who had received minimal antiretroviral therapy. The mean age of the children was 3.9 years. Ninety four (67%) children were between 2–12 years, and 47 (33%) were < 2 years of age. The mean baseline HIV RNA value was 5.0 log for all patients and the mean CD4 cell count was 886 cells/mm 3 for all patients. The efficacy of VIRACEPT measured by HIV RNA <400 at 48 weeks in children ≥2 years of age was 26% compared to 2% of placebo patients (p=0.0008). In the children < 2 years of age, only 1 of 27 and 2 of 20 maintained an undetectable HIV RNA level at 48 weeks for placebo and VIRACEPT patients, respectively. PACTG 377 was an open-label study that randomized 181 HIV treatment-experienced pediatric patients to receive: d4T+NVP+RTV, d4T+3TC+NFV, or d4T+3TC+NVP+NFV with NFV given on a TID schedule. The median age was 5.9 years and 46% were male. At baseline the median HIV RNA was 4.4 log and median CD4 cell count was 690 cells/mm 3 . Substudy PACTG 725 evaluated d4T+3TC+NFV with NFV given on a BID schedule. The proportion of patients with detectable viral load at baseline achieving HIV RNA <400 copies/mL at 48 weeks was: 41% for d4T+NVP+RTV, 42% for d4T+3TC+NFV, 30% for d4T+NVP+NFV, and 52% for d4T+3TC+NVP+NFV. No significant clinical differences were identified between patients receiving VIRACEPT in BID or TID schedules. VIRACEPT has been evaluated in 2 studies of young infants. The PENTA 7 study was an open-label study to evaluate the toxicity, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and activity of NFV+d4T+ddI in 20 HIV-infected infants less than 12 weeks of age. PACTG 353 evaluated the pharmacokinetics and safety of VIRACEPT in infants born to HIV-infected women receiving NFV as part of combination therapy during pregnancy. The following issues should be considered when initiating VIRACEPT in pediatric patients:
  • In pediatric patients ≥2 years of age receiving VIRACEPT as part of triple combination antiretroviral therapy in randomized studies, the proportion of patients achieving a HIV RNA level <400 copies/mL through 48 weeks ranged from 26% to 42%.
  • Response rates in children <2 years of age appeared to be poorer than those in patients ≥2 years of age in some studies.
  • Highly variable drug exposure remains a significant problem in the use of VIRACEPT in pediatric patients. Unpredictable drug exposure may be exacerbated in pediatric patients because of increased clearance compared to adults and difficulties with compliance and adequate food intake with dosing. Pharmacokinetic results from the pediatric studies are reported in Table 11 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 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.

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

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