Amprenavir uses include the treatment of HIV and AIDS. Occasionally, a healthcare provider may prescribe amprenavir in an "off-label" fashion to prevent infection in people exposed to the HIV virus (such as those who have been stuck by a contaminated needle). Amprenavir is approved for use in adults and children as young as four years old.

What Is Amprenavir Used For? -- An Overview

Amprenavir (Agenerase^®) is a prescription medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. It belongs to a group of medications known as protease inhibitors. Amprenavir is only approved for use with other HIV medications.

 

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was initially reported in the United States in 1981. Since then, it has become a significant worldwide epidemic. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Initially, an HIV infection does not usually cause any obvious symptoms (see HIV Symptoms), and most people have no idea that they have been infected with the virus, unless they happen to be tested for it. However, by killing or damaging cells of the immune system, HIV will eventually begin to progressively destroy the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers (see AIDS Symptoms).

 

HIV is commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. Transmission also happens through contact with infected blood, which frequently occurs among IV drug users (who share needles or syringes contaminated with blood from someone infected with the virus). Women who have HIV can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

 

Amprenavir is always used as part of an HIV "cocktail." These cocktails usually consist of three or four (or sometimes five) different HIV medications (technically known as Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, or HAART). Using a combination of medications helps to prevent the virus from becoming resistant to one or more of the drugs.