Indinavir
About
Indinavir belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines indicated for the treatment of HIV infection. Indinavir does not cure HIV infection. It reduces the viral load in the body and keeps it at a low level. Taking Indinavir decreases the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and HIV-related illnesses such as cancer or serious infections.
Indinavir contains Indinavir, which works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. It also increases the count of CD4 (T) cells, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection.
In some cases, Indinavir may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, loss of appetite, and weakness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding whilst on treatment with Indinavir. Tell the doctor about your new or worsening symptoms during treatment with Indinavir. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to prevent any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Indinavir
Medicinal Benefits
Indinavir belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines called protease inhibitors used to treat HIV infection. Indinavir contains Indinavir, which works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. It also increases the count of CD4 (T) cells, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection. Indinavir reduces the viral load in the body and keeps it at a low level. Taking Indinavir decreases the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and HIV-related illnesses such as cancer or serious infections. Indinavir may also be used in combination with other medicines to treat people exposed to HIV infection after accidental contact with HIV-contaminated blood, body fluids, or tissues.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Indinavir
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Weakness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Indinavir if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have liver problems, especially if you have mild/moderate liver disease caused by cirrhosis, kidney problems, diabetes, haemophilia (a disorder in which the blood does not clot properly), high cholesterol and if you are taking cholesterol-lowering medicines known as statins. Let the doctor know if you are taking prescription/non-prescription medicines, including herbal products or dietary supplements.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking benzodiazepines (midazolam, triazolam, alprazolam), antipsychotic (pimozide), antacid (cisapride), antiarrhythmic (amiodarone), antihistamine (astemizole), PDE-5 inhibitor (sildenafil), alpha-blocker (alfuzosin), anti-microbial (rifampin), cholesterol-lowering drugs (lovastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, atorvastatin), protease inhibitors (atazanavir), herbal supplement (St.John’s wort).
Drug-Food Interactions: Talk to your doctor before consuming grapefruit whilst on treatment with Indinavir.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have liver problems, diabetes, or haemophilia.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Indinavir interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionIndinavir belongs to pregnancy category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Indinavir. HIV-positive women must not breastfeed as HIV infection can be passed to the baby in breast milk.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is not known if Indinavir affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are feeling well.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have liver problems, particularly if you have mild or moderate liver disease caused by cirrhosis.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
consult your doctorPlease consult the doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a suitable dose based on your child's age and condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practise safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
- Never share personal items that can have body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
- Avoid sharing used needles, other injections or drug equipment.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as vegetables and fruits as it helps to boost your immune system. Opt for lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
- Eat bland and low-fat foods, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
- Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with family or doing whatever makes you happy.
Special Advise
- Avoid taking Indinavir at the same time as meals that are high in calories, protein, or fat.
- Drink at least 1.5 litres of fluids (preferably water) throughout the day, every day.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help fight infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition, and there is no definite cure for it. However, it can be controlled by treating it with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Indinavir works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. Thereby, Indinavir helps treat HIV infection.
Taking Indinavir with cholesterol-lowering medicines called statins may cause severe muscle pain and weakness. Consult the doctor if you experience severe muscle pain or weakness.
Indinavir may cause kidney stones. Therefore, drink plenty of fluids while on treatment with Indinavir as it helps reduce the chances of forming a kidney stone. Consult the doctor if you develop kidney pain (middle to the lower stomach or back pain) or blood in the urine.
Indinavir does not reduce the risk of passing HIV to others through blood contamination or sexual contact. Therefore, practice safe sex to prevent the risk of transmission.
Consult the doctor before taking sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil with Indinavir as taking them together might increase the risk of side effects like low blood pressure, penile erection lasting more than 4 hours, or visual changes associated with sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. Seek immediate medical assistance if you have an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.
Didanosine can be taken with Indinavir if prescribed by the doctor. However, maintain a gap of 1 hour between didanosine and Indinavir.
Indinavir may cause hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) even though you do not have diabetes. Consult the doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of high blood sugar, like frequent urination, extreme thirst, blurred vision, extreme hunger, or weakness. High blood sugar can lead to a serious condition called ketoacidosis if not treated. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, shortness of breath, and decreased consciousness.
