What is Festemsavir?
Fostemsavir, an antiviral medication, prevents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying within your body. Fostemsavir, along with other antiviral medications, is used to treat HIV. This virus can cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Fostemsavir does not cure HIV or AIDS. After several other HIV medications have failed or stopped working, fostemsavir may be prescribed. Fostemsavir can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Fostemsavir
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Fostemsavir may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fluttering or fast heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden dizziness (like passing out)
Fostemsavir can affect your immune system and cause side effects. These may occur weeks or months after taking fostemsavir. Tell your doctor about:
- Signs of infection include fever, night sweats, swollen lymph glands, colds, sores, coughing, wheezing and diarrhea.
- Problems with balance, eye movements, or speech, or even a prickly sensation;
- Impotence, menstrual irregularities, and swelling of the neck or throat
The most common side effect of fostemsavir is nausea. There may be other side effects.For medical advice regarding any side effects, call your physician. You can also reach the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse events.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider of all medical conditions, allergies and medications you are taking.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to fostemsavir, then it is best not to use it.
Several drugs can cause harmful interactions. Some drugs shouldn't be taken with fostemsavir. If you are also taking:
- Carbamazepine;
- Enzalutamide;
- Mitotane;
- Phenytoin;
- Rifampin;
- John's wort
If you have had liver disease, particularly hepatitis C, tell your doctor. Use your medication properly to control infections. HIV can be transmitted to your child if you do not control the virus during pregnancy. You may have your name listed in a registry that tracks the effects of antiviral medicines on the baby. Breastfeeding is not recommended for women with HIV/AIDS. Even if the baby was born HIV-free, the virus can be transmitted to the infant through your breast milk. Fostemsavir should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Fostemsavir?
As soon as your medication arrives, read and follow all directions or guides included with it.Follow the directions on the label. Take fostemsavir either with or without food. Do not chew or crush the tablet. Read all the instructions and medication guides that you receiveDo not make changes to your dosage or schedule without consulting with your physician first.Each person living with HIV should be under the care and supervision of a physician. Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture to maintain optimal results. The smell of the tablets is not unusual.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for HIV infection:
Take 600 mg twice daily.
Use: When combined with another antiretroviral agent(s), for treating HIV-1 infection in heavily treated individuals who have multidrug resistant HIV-1 infection that have failed their current antiretroviral regimen due to resistance, intolerance or safety considerations.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once. Do not miss any doses. Before your prescription runs completely out, take steps to refill it immediately.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If you are suffering from hepatitis B or C, then using fostemsavir may cause liver damage or new problems. You may require frequent liver function testing while taking fostemsavir and for several months afterwards. You should not stop taking any medications you are currently using to treat your hepatitis unless you have been told to by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Fostemsavir may cause serious heart problems. You are at greater risk if you use other medications for heart problems, high blood pressure, HIV, cancer, HIV, and mental illness. Inform your doctor if birth-control pills or hormone replacement therapy containing ethinyl esteradiol are being taken. Fostemsavir may cause your blood levels of estrogen to increase, increasing the side effects. Your doctor may adjust your dose of "statin" cholesterol medicines you regularly take when you begin or stop taking fostemsavir. This includes atorvastatin (lovastatin), pravastatin (rosuvastatin), simvastatin (Crestor, Vytorin, and Zocor), rosuvastatin (Rosuvastatin), pravastatin (Pravastatin), simvastatin (Simvastatin), and other "statin" cholesterol medicines. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may also affect fostemsavir. Inform your physician of all medicines you are currently taking as well as those you are beginning or discontinuing using.
