Patient/Family Teaching

• Emphasize the importance of taking amprenavir exactly as directed. It must always be used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Do not take more than prescribed amount and do not stop taking without consulting health care professional. If a dose is missed, take as soon as remembered within 4 hr, then return to regular schedule. If more than 4 hr from scheduled dose, omit dose and take next scheduled dose; do not double doses

• Instruct patient that amprenavir should not be shared with others

• Inform patient that amprenavir does not cure AIDS or prevent associated or opportunistic infections. Amprenavir does not reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Caution patient to use a condom and to avoid sharing needles or donating blood to prevent spreading the AIDS virus to others. Advise patient that the long-term effects of amprenavir are unknown at this time

• Emphasize the importance of providing health care professional with accurate current drug history and notifying health care professional before taking any prescription or OTC medications because of potentially serious drug interactions. Vitamin E supplements should be avoided during amprenavir therapy

• Some hormonal contraceptives decrease amprenavir levels and effectiveness; advise patient to use a nonhormonal form of contraception during therapy

• Instruct patient to notify health care professional if nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash occurs

• Emphasize the importance of regular follow-up exams and blood counts to determine progress and monitor for side effects

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