Classification:
Protease Inhibitor (PI)
Form:
700mg tablet (pink; oval)
Dosage:
There are several ways to dose Lexiva, both boosted and unboosted. Dosages vary if the patient has taken a PI in the past.
- No Previous PI Therapy
- Two 700mg tablets with two 100mg capsules of Norvir once each day.
- One 700mg tablet with one 100mg Norvir capsule twice each day.
- Two 700mg tablets twice each day.
- Previous PI Therapy
- One 700mg tablet with one 100mg Norvir capsule twice each day.
Instructions:
- May take with or without food.
- Take medications at the same time each day.
- When taking the boosted dosages, the Norvir capsules must be refrigerated.
Side Effects To Report To Your Doctor:
- A general feeling of malaise ("feeling crummy")
- Nausea / vomiting / diarrhea (may be increased with Norvir)
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Lipodystrophy
- Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides
Drug Interactions or Incompatibility:
- Viagra doses need to be decreased when used while taking a PI.
- St. John's Wort decreases the effectiveness of Protease Inhibitors and therefore should not be taken.
For More Information:
To learn more about Lexiva, try About.com's Drug Finder.
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