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Compare Viracept vs. Aptivus

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Nelfinavir (Viracept) and tipranavir (Aptivus) are both protease inhibitors used to treat HIV. They work by blocking a protein that helps the HIV virus make copies of itself. Both medications are taken orally and are available by prescription. However, there are several differences between them. Nelfinavir is available in tablet and oral powder forms, while tipranavir comes in capsules and an oral solution. Nelfinavir is typically taken two to three times a day with food, whereas tipranavir must be taken twice daily with a booster called ritonavir (Norvir). Both medications can cause diarrhea and nausea. You may not be able to take either one if you have liver problems, and both medications have a number of drug interactions. Tipranavir is not recommended if you have a sulfa allergy.

  • Viracept (nelfinavir)
    Aptivus (tipranavir)
  • Viracept (nelfinavir)
    Aptivus (tipranavir)

  • Summary of Viracept vs. Aptivus

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Viracept (nelfinavir) is a protease inhibitor (PI) used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in people ages 2 years and older. It works by preventing the HIV virus from making copies of itself and spreading. You take Viracept (nelfinavir) by mouth, typically twice or three times a day with a meal. One of the most common side effects Viracept (nelfinavir) can cause is diarrhea. Your provider might recommend over-the-counter medications, like loperamide (Imodium A-D), to help ease your symptoms.

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Aptivus (tipranavir) is an HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medication used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV. It's not used very often anymore because of side effects, interactions with other medications, and daily doses requiring multiple capsules.

  • Indications of Viracept vs. Aptivus

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Viracept vs. Aptivus

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Tablets can be dissolved in water
    •Can be used in children as young as 2 years old
    •Not a whole lot of side effects
    Cons
    •Taken multiple times a day
    •One day's dose can be as many as 10 tablets
    •A lot of medication interactions, including some other HIV ARVs
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Available as an oral solution if you have a hard time swallowing capsules
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Can be used in children aged 2 years and older
    •Oral solution contains vitamin E
    Cons
    •Must be taken with a booster called ritonavir (Norvir)
    •Not a good option for people with sulfa allergies or moderate to severe liver problems
    •Typical adult doses require 4 capsules a day
    •Can cause higher cholesterol and blood sugar

  • Common Side Effects of Viracept vs. Aptivus

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults and adolescents ages 13 years and older:

    •Diarrhea (up to 20%)
    •Nausea (up to 7%)

    Children ages 2 to 12 years old:

    •Diarrhea (up to 47%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (15%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Fever (8%)
    •Vomiting (6%)
    •Fatigue (6%)
    •Headache (5%)

  • Warnings of Viracept vs. Aptivus

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drug interactions
    •Diabetes
    •Fat redistribution
    •Immune reconstitution syndrome
    •Not for people with liver problems
    •Caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - Oral powder only
    Common Side Effects for
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •BLEEDING IN THE BRAIN
    •DRUG INTERACTIONS
    •SULFA ALLERGY
    •DIABETES
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •FAT REDISTRIBUTION
    •HIGHER CHOLESTEROL

  • Prices with our coupons for Viracept vs. Aptivus

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