Product Details: Crixivan (Indinavir)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

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

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. STORE THIS MEDICINE in the original bottle, tightly closed, at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Leave the desiccant in the bottle. Do not eat the desiccant. 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.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. 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. 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 IS NOT A CURE FOR HIV INFECTION and will not prevent you from spreading HIV infection to others through blood or sexual contact. If you have questions concerning how to prevent the spread of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY IMPROVE IMMUNE SYSTEM FUNCTION and reveal hidden infections in some patients. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of infection (such as fever, sore throat, weakness, cough, shortness of breath) after you start this medicine. 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. 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 USING HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES (such as birth control pills, patches), this medicine may decrease their effectiveness. Discuss possible alternative forms of birth control with your doctor. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially kidney stones. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. Mothers infected with HIV should not breast-feed. There is a risk of passing the HIV infection or this medicine to the baby. 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.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine 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, or numbness of the mouth. 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; depression; mental or mood changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin; dark urine; pale stools; fever; chills; red, swollen, or blistered skin; 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.

Active Ingredients

Indinavir