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What Is Lexiva?


Lexiva is an anti-HIV drug that contains the active ingredient fosamprenavir.  It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors. It was developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline and it goes by the brand name Telzir in Canada and Europe.

How does Lexiva Work?


Lexiva is a protease inhibitor that works to block HIV from making copies of itself.  HIV works by infecting a cell in the body and copying its own genetic code into the cells DNA.  This makes the cell programmed to create copies of HIV.  A protease inhibitor works by cutting up the enzyme HIV needs to create copies.  Lexiva will not reduce the chance of infecting someone else through sexual contact or sharing needles.

Does Lexiva Cure Aids?


Lexiva will not cure HIV infection or AIDS.  It is still possible for patients who use Lexiva to get opportunistic infections (OI’s) such as pneumonia, herpes virus, and mycobacterium avium complex.  These and other OI’s can occur when the immune system is weakened; therefore it is recommended that you see your doctor regularly while taking Lexiva.

Is Lexiva Right For You?


It is always recommended that you talk with your doctor to help decide if Lexiva is right for you.  You shouldn’t take lexiva if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

The active ingredient of Lexiva is fosamprenavir.  The inactive ingredients are:

  • colloidal silicon dioxide
  • croscarmellose sodium
  • magnesium stearate
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • povidone K30
  • hypromellose
  • iron oxide red
  • titanium dioxide
  • triacetin

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider?


Before taking Lexiva, tell your doctor if you have:

  • Allergies to amprenavir
  • Allergies  to sulfa drugs
  • Diabetes
  • Hemophilia
  • Liver disease
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides

This medication may be harmful to a fetus.  Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.  Women with HIV should not breast-feed because they may pass the virus to their baby in the breast milk.

Using Lexiva


You should always take Lexiva exactly as your doctor instructed.  Do not modify the dose or stop taking it without first talking to your doctor.  Each dose can be taken with or without food, but should be taken with a full glass of water.  Lexiva should be used in combination with at least two other anti-HIV drugs.  It is also recommended that if you take Lexiva, you also take low doses of Norvir to boost the amount of Lexiva in your bloodstream.  This will make the drug more effective at fighting HIV.

Click on the link to view Lexiva Side Effects.
 
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