Indinavir (Crixivan)

Description

Indinavir is a medication that is used to treat HIV infection. It is important to note that this medicine does not cure HIV and only prevents its spread. This medication is more effective when used along with a combination of other HIV medications.

How It works

Indinavir is a HIV protease inhibitor. Thus, it works by inhibiting the virus that influences HIV growth. By blocking the growth of HIV, it is possible to stop the condition from deteriorating into a more dangerous state.

Uses

The main use of this medication is its ability to treat HIV infection. This medication can lower the complications of HIV such as cancer and other infections to a great extent. It can enhance your immune system and improve the quality of your life. This will enable you to take part in your daily activities without any hassle.

Dosage

The dosage of this medication is determined through your personal health condition and response to the treatment. The dosage can vary according to your liver condition as well. The medication is usually taken by mouth 3 times day on a daily basis. It is best to take this medication on an empty stomach along with a glass of water. In order to prevent an upset stomach, you can take this medication with other liquids such as coffee or milk. Do not consume this medication with high-fat food since it can decrease the effectiveness.

This medication is highly effective when it is maintained at the constant level in your body. Thus, make sure to take at drug at well-spaced intervals. Taking the medication at the same time every day will help you to remember your dosage. If you miss or skip a dose, do not double it the next time. Take it as soon as you remember and follow your regular timetable.

Side Effects

The following are some side effects of this medication that you may or may not experience during this treatment period.

 Drowsiness
 Bad taste in mouth
 Dizziness
 Upset stomach
 Unusual weakness
 Tiredness
 Nausea
 Stomach pain
 Headache

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for immediate medical assistance.

Precautions

By following the precautions given below, you will be able to reduce the risk of above side effects.

 Be extremely careful when using this medication on children since they are more sensitive to its side effects, especially kidney stones.

 If you have diabetes, take regular tests to keep track of your blood sugar level.

 Do not take more than the recommended dose or change your dose schedule without informing your physician.

 Do not drive or operate machinery since this medication can cause drowsiness and impair your thinking.

Self-Care

In order to reduce the growth of HIV, you must not only consume this medication, but should also engage in other preventive measures too. Using effective barrier methods such as latex condoms can help you to prevent being affected by this condition.

Do not increase your dosage without consulting your physician. This will not accelerate the effectiveness of the treatment. Instead, it will increase the viral load and enhance your vulnerability towards the side effects.