Generic Crixivan

Chemical Name: INDINAVIR

Common uses

This medicine is an HIV protease inhibitor used in combination with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This medicine is not a cure for HIV.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking amiodarone, astemizole, atazanavir, cisapride, erythromycin, nevirapine, pimozide, rifampin, st. John's wort, terfenadine, certain medicines for anxiety or sleep (benzodiazepines such as triazolam and midazolam), certain medicines for bladder problems or blood pressure (such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, or terazosin), certain stomach medicines (such as lansoprazole or omeprazole), "ergot" medicines for headache (such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, or methylergonovine), "statin" medicines for cholesterol (such as lovastatin or simvastatin), or "triptan" medicines for headache (such as sumatriptan).

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking birth control pills, buspirone, clarithromycin, eplerenone, fluoxetine, isotretinoin, methadone, nefazodone, rifabutin, risperidone, trazodone, darifenacin, solifenacin, delavirdine, efavirenz, "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), calcium channel blockers (such as amlodipine, felodipine, nifedipine, or nicardipine), HIV protease inhibitors (such as nelfinavir, ritonavir, or saquinavir), narcotic pain medicines (such as codeine or fentanyl), seizure medicines (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital), steroids (such as dexamethasone), certain antifungal medicines (such as itraconazole or ketoconazole), certain medicines for erectile problems (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil), certain immunosuppressant medicines (such as cyclosporine, sirolimus, or tacrolimus), or certain medicines for irregular heartbeat (such as bepridil, lidocaine, or quinidine).

Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver problems, kidney problems, kidney stones, urinary problems (such as white blood cells in your urine), diabetes, blood problems (such as hemophilia), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Take this medicine with water. This medicine may be taken with other liquids such as skim milk, juice, coffee, or tea, or a light meal that is low in calories, fat, and protein. Drinking extra fluids while you are taking this medicine is recommended. You should drink at least 48 ounces of water a day unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or after didanosine. Large amounts of garlic may decrease the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk with your doctor before including garlic in your diet. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine may increase the amount of this medicine in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet. Take this medicine on a regular schedule every 8 hours around the clock, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember.

Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine by more than 2 hours, do not take that dose. Take your next dose as scheduled. If you miss the dose by less than 2 hours take that dose immediately and then return to your regular dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this medicine. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store this medicine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function tests, cholesterol tests, blood counts, and CD4 counts may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine will not prevent you from spreading HIV through blood or sexual contact. If you have any questions concerning how to prevent the spreading of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This medicine may not prevent other infections. If your health changes, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. This medicine may cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Symptoms of hyperglycemia include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medicine (such as increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

For women taking birth control pills, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. Discuss possible alternative forms of birth control with your doctor. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children or in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. For women: do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or a bad taste in your mouth. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience stomach pain or upset, heartburn, unusual paleness, unusual tiredness, change in the amount of urine you produce, changes in appetite, weight changes, joint or muscle aches, unusually dry skin, unusual hair loss, ingrown toenails, numbness of the mouth, or flushed face. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain; one-sided weakness; speech problems; vision changes; fast or irregular heartbeat; severe dizziness or fainting; confusion; mental or mood changes; yellowing of the skin/eyes; dark urine; pale stools; fever; chills; swelling of the hands, stomach, feet or lower legs; bloody or cloudy urine; pain while urinating; or back, flank, or side pain.

An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include lower back pain, blood in urine, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.