Pfizer Inc 235 East 42nd Street New York, NY 10017-5755
VIRACEPT® (nelfinavir mesylate) 250 mg, 625 mg tablets, and Powder for Oral Suspension
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PRESCRIBERS
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that Pfizer and FDA have agreed on a final limitfor ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) in nelfinavir mesylate (active ingredient in Viracept®) and to provide guidance on the use of Viracept in patients.
On September 10, 2007, Pfizer informed prescribers of the presence of EMS, a process-related impurity in nelfinavir mesylate (active ingredient in Viracept) and provided guidance on the use of VIRACEPT® in pregnant female and pediatric patients. At thattime, FDA asked Pfizer to implement an interim specification to limit the presence ofEMS in nelfinavir mesylate used in Pfizer’s Viracept products marketed in the United States, while continuing to work towards a long-term specification. Healthcare providerswere advised not to initiate antiretroviral regimens containing VIRACEPT® in theirpregnant female and pediatric patients. In addition, pregnant females who were receiving Viracept® were to be switched to alternative anti-retroviral therapy unless no alternativetherapy was available to them. For pediatric patients who were stable on Viracept-containing regimens, the FDA and Pfizer agreed that the benefit-risk ratio remained favorable and those patients could continue to receive Viracept. There was no change inthe recommended use of Viracept for all other patients.
Effective March 31, 2008, all Viracept® manufactured and released by Pfizer meets thenew final limits established by the FDA for prescribing to all patient populations, includingpregnant female and pediatric patients.
Please see enclosed full prescribing information.
William A. Erhardt, M.D. Vice President Specialty Medical
Safety Information
VIRACEPT® in combination with other antiretroviral agents is indicated for thetreatment of HIV infection.
Nelfinavir is principally metabolized by the liver; it can be used in patients with mild hepatic impairment without any dose adjustment. VIRACEPT should not be use inpatients with either moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
Exercise caution when administering VIRACEPT with drugs that induce CYP3A, andwith potentially toxic drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A, including those that prolong the QT interval.
In clinical studies (n>5000), the most common adverse event, diarrhea, was moderate tosevere in 14% to 20% of patients.
Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combinationantiretroviral therapy, including VIRACEPT.
Redistribution/accumulation of body fat has been reported in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. A causal relationship has not been established, and long-termconsequences are not known at this time.
New onset diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia have been reported with protease inhibitors.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women taking VIRACEPT. VIRACEPT should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed.
VIRACEPT use is contraindicated with amiodarone, quinidine, triazolam, midazolam,ergot derivatives, and pimozide. VIRACEPT should not be coadministered with St. John's wort, simvastatin, lovastatin, rifampin, and omeprazole. Rifabutin dose should bereduced by 50%. PDE5 inhibitors should be prescribed with caution.
Increased bleeding in patients with hemophilia type A or B has been reported with protease inhibitors.
VRU00037 2008 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA/March 2008
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