Key Counseling Points - Antivirals Flashcards
Acyclovir
Complete full course of therapy. Ensure adequate hydration. For HSV, initiate treatment as soon as possible at first sign of lesion (treatment most effective if initiated within 24 h of lesion onset). For VZV, treatment should begin within 24 h of appearance of rash. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 d; if they worsen, seek follow-up with HCP. If using for prophylaxis or suppression of infection, this medication should reduce the number of breakouts. Maintain adequate hydration during therapy.
Atazanavir
Multiple, potentially serious drug interactions; do not take new medications without consulting HCP. Take with food. Do not open, chew, or crush capsule. Does not prevent transmission of HIV; practice safe sex. Do not skip doses. Report cardiac symptoms to physician. Do not take antacids within 2 h of this medication, H2 antagonists within 12 h of this medication, and avoid concurrent PPI use.
Elbasivir/Grazoprevir
Do not remove drug from blister pack until ready to take.
Efavirenz
Multiple, potentially serious drug interactions; do not take new medications, OTCs, or herbals without consulting HCP. Take on an empty stomach at bedtime. Do not open, chew, or crush capsule. Does not prevent transmission of HIV; practice safe sex. May cause drowsiness; avoid driving and concurrent CNS depressants.
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir
Take with or without food. Patients with history of bone fracture or osteopenia may consider calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
Entecavir
Complete full course of therapy; take on an empty stomach.
Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir
Take with food.
Maraviroc
Take with or without food. Do not chew or crush tablet. Does not prevent transmission of HIV; practice safe sex, do not share needles, etc. May cause drowsiness; avoid driving and concurrent CNS depressants.
Oseltamivir
Complete full course of therapy. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 d; if they worsen, seek care. Suspension is available in a 6 mg/mL concentration and is packaged with an oral syringe calibrated in milliliters up to a total of 10 mL. Instructions to the patient should be provided based on these units of measure (ie, mL). When providing oseltamivir suspension for children <1 y of age, use a lower volume (ie, <10 mL) oral syringe to ensure accurate dosing. If suspension unavailable, open capsules and compound a 6-mg/mL suspension. Take with food to minimize GI irritation. Take missed dose as soon as possible; if next dose is within 2 h, skip missed dose.
Raltegravir
Take with or without food. May chew or crush the chewable tablet. For the oral suspension, add contents of foil pack (100 mg) to 10 mL water and swirl for 45 s; do not shake. Use oral syringe to obtain correct dose. Administer within 30 min. Does not prevent transmission of HIV; practice safe sex, do not share needles, etc.
Sofosbuvir
Pregnancy warnings (due to ribavirin risk) for female patients and female partners of male patients.
Valacyclovir
Seek medical attention if decreased urination, unusual bruising or bleeding, blistering skin rash, or shortness of breath. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 d; if they worsen, seek follow-up with HCP. If using for prophylaxis, this medication should reduce the number of breakouts. Maintain adequate hydration during therapy to prevent renal complications.
