Agenerase Side Effects, Warnings

Agenerase side effects, warning
November 07, 2005

What is Agenerase used for?
Agenerase is used to treat HIV-1 infection in combination with
other anti-HIV medications. Agenerase belongs to the class of anti-
HIV medications called protease inhibitors and should only be
taken in combination with other anti-HIV medications.

Agenerase is not a cure for HIV infection. You may continue to
develop infections and other complications associated with HIV
disease. Agenerase has not been shown to reduce the risk of
transmitting HIV to others through sexual contact or blood
contamination. The long-term effects of Agenerase are not known
at this time.

Who should not take Agenerase?

There are potential drug interactions that can cause serious side
effects. You must not take Agenerase with:

astemizole (HismanalÂ™)
bepridil (VascorÂ™)
cisapride (PropulsidÂ™)
ergot derivatives (Cafergot and othersÂ™)
midazolam (VersedÂ™)
triazolam (HalcionÂ™)
In addition, if you take certain other medications with Agenerase,
serious or life-threateningside effects can also occur. Because of
this, it is very important that you tell your doctor about all the
medications you are taking, including those you take without a
prescription.

Special Warnings with Agenerase:

Agenerase should not be taken alone to treat HIV. Because
resistance to the HIV virus can occur quickly with single drug
treatment, Agenerase should always be taken in combination with
other anti-HIV medications. If your current treatment is not
working, contact your doctor; Agenerase should not be taken by
itself.
Talk to your doctor if you are taking ViagraÂ™ (sildenafil) with
Agenerase. You may be at risk for an increase in Viagra-related
side effects such as low blood pressure, changes in vision, or penile
erection lasting more than 4 hours.
Increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or diabetes may develop
while taking Agenerase. If you take diabetes medication, your dose
may need to be adjusted.
Agenerase can cause a skin rash that is sometimes potentially
severe and life-threatening. If you develop a skin rash, tell your
health care provider immediately.
Agenerase may cause hemolytic anemia (a decrease in the number
of red blood cells in your body).
Tell your health care provider if you are trying to become pregnant,
are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should not
become pregnant or breast-feed while taking Agenerase. If you are
using hormonal contraceptives (e.g., birth control pills), you should
use another form of birth control (e.g., condom, diaphragm) while
taking Agenerase.
General Precautions with Agenerase:

If you are taking a blood-thinning medication or you have low
vitamin K, your doctor will decide if the amount of vitamin E in
Agenerase interferes with your treatment. Do not take vitamin E
supplements while being treated with Agenerase, because
Agenerase contains vitamin E.

Agenerase may increase the amount of fat in your body or you may
notice changes in the location of your body fat. Tell your doctor if
you experience any changes like these.

Do not switch from the capsule to the solution without advice from
your doctor. Agenerase capsules and Agenerase oral solution are
not the same on a milligram per milligram basis.

Do not take additional vitamin E because the amount of vitamin E
contained in Agenerase is more than the Reference Daily Intake of
vitamin E.

Do not refrigerate Agenerase capsules or oral solution. Store
Agenerase at room temperature.

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?

Tell your doctor or health care provider if you have:

had an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs
hemophilia, as hemophiliac patients have sometimes experienced
spontaneous bleeding while taking Agenerase
a history of liver problems. Your health care provider will decide if
Agenerase is right for you.
What are some possible side effects of Agenerase? (This is NOT a
complete list of side effects reported with Agenerase. Your health
care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side
effects.)

Side effects may include:

Skin rash (see Special Warnings)
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Tingling sensation around the mouth
Contact your doctor if you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or
rash. Your doctor may be able to help you manage these
symptoms. Your doctor will advise you whether your symptoms
can be managed on therapy or whether Agenerase should be
stopped.

For more detailed information about Agenerase, ask your health
care provider.