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How LEXIVA Works

LEXIVA is a protease inhibitor

LEXIVA treats HIV infection by keeping the virus from making copies of itself inside the body. This decreases the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load). With less HIV, the body's immune system can work better and make more cells, called CD4 cells, which help the body fight infection.

LEXIVA is "boosted" with ritonavir

LEXIVA is often taken with another protease inhibitor called ritonavir. Ritonavir increases (boosts) the amount of LEXIVA in the body.

These medicines do not cure HIV or prevent you from giving HIV to others, but they can help control the disease.

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See the full Prescribing Information for LEXIVA

LEXIVA^® (fosamprenavir calcium)

Indication and Usage:

LEXIVA treats HIV infection in adults. It should always be used in combination with other HIV medicines. These medicines do not cure HIV infection/AIDS or prevent passing HIV to others.

Important Safety Information

You should not take LEXIVA if you have had an allergic reaction to LEXIVA or AGENERASE^® (amprenavir)
High blood sugar, diabetes or worsening of diabetes, and bleeding in hemophiliacs have occurred in some patients taking protease inhibitors
When you start taking HIV medicines, your immune system may get stronger and could begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body, such as pneumonia, herpes virus, or tuberculosis. If you have new symptoms after starting your HIV medicines, be sure to tell your doctor
Changes in body fat may occur in some patients taking antiretroviral therapy. The cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time
Skin rashes can occur in patients taking LEXIVA. Rarely, rashes were severe or life threatening
Opportunistic infections can develop when you have HIV and your immune system is weak. It is very important that you see your healthcare provider regularly while you are taking LEXIVA to discuss any side effects or concerns
Most common side effects in clinical studies were diarrhea, headache, nausea, rash, and vomiting. In most cases, these side effects did not cause people to stop taking their medicine

DRUG INTERACTIONS

LEXIVA should not be taken with: AGENERASE^® (amprenavir), Halcion^® (triazolam), ergot medications (Cafergot^®, Migranal^®, D.H.E. 45^®, and others), Propulsid^® (cisapride), Versed^® (midazolam), Orap^® (pimozide), Zocor^® (simvastatin), Mevacor^® (lovastatin), Rifadin^® (rifampin), Rescriptor^® (delavirdine mesylate), or St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). If you are taking Norvir^® (ritonavir), you should not take Tambocor^® (flecainide), or Rythmol^® (propafenone hydrochloride)
Serious and/or life-threatening events could occur between LEXIVA and other medications, including Cordarone^® (amiodarone), lidocaine (intravenous only), Elavil^® (amitriptyline HCl) and Tofranil^® (imipramine pamoate), tricyclic antidepressants, and Quinaglute^® (quinidine)
Women who use birth control should choose a different kind of contraception. LEXIVA can affect the safety and effectiveness of birth control pills.
Patients taking Viagra^® (sildenafil citrate) or LEVITRA^® (vardenafil HCl) with LEXIVA may be at an increased risk of side effects
This list of drug interactions is not complete. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking or plan to take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbals