Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Fosamprenavir. You may also hear it called by its brand name, Lexiva. It helps treat HIV-1 infection and keep it under control.

Fosamprenavir can be taken once or twice a day. It is often taken with another medicine, Ritonavir, to help it work better. You should take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. The tablets taken by mouth should be taken with food. If you are taking the liquid form of this medication, be sure to take it without food. You should not miss doses or run out of this medicine. If you do, the virus could increase and become harder to treat.

Some side effects can occur. Your doctor will help you manage them. You could have a headache, itching, rash, or diarrhea. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You should not stop taking it, unless your doctor says it's okay.

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects can occur. You should read the Medication Guide for full information. Your doctor will order lab tests to monitor many of these effects. If you have a sulfa allergy, let your doctor know prior to starting therapy. 

Fosamprenavir can interact with other medicines. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, herbal remedies, and vitamins.

Women must talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant and should not breastfeed.

For best results with Fosamprenavir, be sure to plan ahead for refills so you do not miss doses.