Indinavir

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat HIV infection. It is usually taken with 2 other medicines.

How does it work?

• Indinavir stops the HIV virus from increasing. It binds up an enzyme that is needed for reproduction of the virus.

How is it best taken?

• The medicine must be taken exactly as directed.
• It can be taken with water, juice, skim milk, coffee, or tea. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
• Drink 7 tall glasses of liquid everyday unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider. This medicine can cause kidney stones.
• Take around-the-clock (every 8 hours).
• Do not take didanosine (DDI) within 1 hour of this medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Skip a missed dose.
• Return to your regular schedule for the next dose.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Do not run out of this medication. Get it refilled today!
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Protect against sexual spread of disease. Use an effective method of birth control. Talk with healthcare provider if you have questions.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
• Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Belly pain and cramps.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Diarrhea.
• Feeling sleepy, tired, or unable to think clearly. Use caution when driving doing other tasks or hobbies.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Back pain, blood in urine, fever/chills.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in the original container. Do not take antimoisture cube out.
• Protect from moisture.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved