Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Keep taking nelfinavir for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better.

It is important to take this medicine together with other medicines for HIV. Be sure to take all of the medicines your doctor ordered, and to take them at the right times.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully before starting treatment and each time you refill your prescription. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Nelfinavir works best if it is taken with food.

If you are also using didanosine (Videx®), take it 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after taking nelfinavir.

If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may dissolve it in a small amount of water. Be sure to drink or swallow the entire mixture right away. Then refill the glass with water and drink it so none of the medicine is left on the sides of the glass.

Measure the powder carefully using the measuring scoop provided with the medicine. Mix the powder with a small amount of water, milk, soy milk, baby formula, or a dietary supplement drink. Do not use apple juice, orange juice, or apple sauce. After mixing your medicine with a liquid, use the mixture right away. Be sure to drink or swallow all of the mixture. If not used right away, you may store this mixture in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times during the day. For example, if you are to take three doses each day, the doses should be spaced about 8 hours apart. If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your doctor.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • For oral dosage form (oral powder):
      • Children 2 to 13 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 45 to 55 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight 2 times a day or 25 to 35 mg per kg of body weight 3 times a day.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults and children 13 years and older—1250 milligrams (mg) (five 250 mg tablets or two 625 mg tablets) 2 times a day or 750 mg (three 250 mg tablets) 3 times a day.
      • Children 2 to 13 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 45 to 55 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight 2 times a day or 25 to 35 mg per kg of body weight 3 times a day.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep the bottle tightly closed. Keep the medicine in the original bottle that you were given at the pharmacy.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.