Crixivan (Indinavir)

Do’s

• Take Indinavir with a full glass of water (8 oz / 240 ml) at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal to maximize absorption.
• If you experience stomach upset, take it with non-fat milk, apple juice, coffee, tea, or a light meal (toast with jelly, cornflakes with non-fat milk and sugar).
• Avoid high-calorie, fatty, or protein-rich meals. These meals can decrease the medication's effectiveness.
• If prescribed ritonavir with Indinavir, take them both at the same time.
• Drink at least 6 full glasses (8 oz / 240 ml each) of water or other fluids daily to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
• Take the prescribed dosage based on your weight, medical condition, and other medications. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications you use (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal).
• Take Indinavir at evenly spaced times each day for optimal effect.
• Continue taking Indinavir (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you feel well. Don't adjust the dosage or stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider. Skipping or changing doses can worsen your condition or increase side effects.

Don'ts

• Don't eat with food (generally). Avoid taking Indinavir with meals as it reduces absorption.
• Don't disregard the healthcare provider's instructions. Don't alter the dosage or frequency without your healthcare provider's approval.
• Don't stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider. Stopping Indinavir (or other HIV medications) can be detrimental to your health.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist)
• Increased sweating
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist)
• Increased sweating
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist)
• Increased sweating

Serious Side Effects:

• Signs of a new infection such as fever, chills, flu symptoms, mouth sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath
• High blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss
• Kidney problems - little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
• Liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Crixivan,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider of any allergies you have, including allergies to indinavir or any of the medication's ingredients.

Tell your healthcare provider  about any pre-existing health problems, especially:

• High blood fat levels (cholesterol, triglycerides)
• Diabetes
• Hemophilia
• Kidney problems (including kidney stones)
• Heart problems (coronary artery disease, heart attack)
• Liver problems

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Crixivan, before any surgery.

Discuss the risks and benefits of using Crixivan during pregnancy with your healthcare providerCrixivan can help reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby.

It is unknown if Crixivan passes into breast milk. Due to the risk of transmitting HIV through breast milk, consult with your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Crixivan may interact with other medications. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take before starting Crixivan.