Selzentry

Selzentry is used along with other medicines in the treatment of HIV infection .Selzentry works by blocking the virus from entering the human cells that prevents the virus from multiplying. This slows down infection and progress of HIV infection.

Selzentry will not cure the HIV infection or AIDS disease but will slow down the progression of HIV infection into full-blown AIDS. 

Selzentry is available in the form of tablet only with your doctor’s prescription.

There are important things to consider first before using Selzentry. Before starting to use Selzentry, inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

Allergy

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Pediatric patients

There are no adequate studies done that prove Selzentry is completely safe for children younger than 16 years of age. Use it after consulting your doctor.

Elderly patients

Selzentry does not cause any different side effects or problem in elderly than it does in younger adults. However, Selzentry should be used with caution in elderly due to higher risk of kidney problems.

Pregnancy

Selzentry is a category B drug, which means it is somewhat safe to use during pregnancy. However, only if you are pregnant only take Selzentry as instructed by the doctor.

Breastfeeding

Women with HIV infection should not breastfeed as it can pass virus to baby. There are no adequate studies that prove Selzentry passes into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Selzentry may interact with other drugs, so tell all the medicines you take to your doctor. He or she may have to change doses or the drug to prevent interaction, which can cause undesirable effects. Notify your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• Azole antifungals such as Itraconazole and Ketoconazole
• Delavirdine
• Macrolide antibiotics such as Clarithromycin and Erythromycin
• Nefazodone
• Protease inhibitors antivirals such as Amprenavir, Boceprevir and Ritonavir
• Telithromycin
• Barbiturates such as Phenobarbital
• Carbamazepine
• Efavirenz
• Etravirine
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin
• St. John's wort

Medical Conditions

You must tell the doctor all of your health problems before receiving Selzentry. Here are the health conditions your doctor must know:

• Kidney disease or if you are having dialysis
• Liver disease, especially hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E
• Heart disease
• Low blood pressure
• History of stroke or other problems in the blood vessels
• Postural hypotension, or lightheadedness after standing up quickly

Use Selzentry exactly as your doctor directed. For HIV, Selzentry is always taken with other anti HIV medications. Selzentry should not be used alone. Read the included medication guide carefully and ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Selzentry is usually taken twice a day. Always follow the prescribed dose and do not take more or less of the drug.

You can take Selzentry with or without food. Do not chew, break, or open Selzentry tablets. For best effect, always take Selzentry regularly and at same time daily. If your supply gets low, refill your prescription right away.

Do not stop taking Selzentry without your doctor’s permission. Continue taking your antiviral medicines even if you feel well.

If you missed a dose of Selzentry, take it as soon as you remember. If it is already six hours late, skip the missed dose and return to original dosing. Do not double the dose of Selzentry to make up for them missed dose.

If you took too much Selzentry, call local poison control hotlines right away.

Store Selzentry at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Always visit your doctor regularly while receiving Selzentry and other HIV medications.

Selzentry may cause drowsiness or impair your senses, which can be dangerous if you drive or operate heavy machinery. Do not perform crucial tasks right away after taking Selzentry.

Selzentry does not cure HIV, so you must still stick to practices such as disposing sharps and personal items properly. Do not engage in unprotected sex or sharing needles or other drugs.

If you are taking Selzentry, do not take any drug or herbal supplement without your doctor’s advice. Many drugs and herbal substances can increase risk of liver problems when taken with Selzentry.

Selzentry may cause side effects, some of which require doctor’s attention. Call your doctor if you experience the following:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as skin rash, hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, mouth, nose or tongue
• Possible liver problem symptoms such as fever, itching, vomiting, upper stomach pain, passing out dark urine, and jaundice
• Possible infection symptoms such as fever, sweating at night, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, stomach pain and weight loss
• Possible lung infection symptoms such as sharp chest pain during breathing, dry cough, wheezing and shortness of breath
• Possible heart problem symptoms such as pressure or pain on the chest, tightness in the neck or jaw, sweating, and pain that spreads to arm and shoulder
• Rapid heartbeats, anxiety or irritability, weakness, prickly feeling, and problems in balance or eye movements
• Appearance of sores on the genital area and anus (cold sores)
• Any swelling in the neck or throat (possible thyroid enlargement)
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Severe low back pain
• Incontinence
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Change in menses
• Problems or loss of interest in sex
• Impotence

Selzentry may cause the following side effects that are minor and not harmful to health:

• Dizziness
• Mild skin rash
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, and sore throat