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.
HIV infection
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.
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-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.
It is not known whether INDINAVIR interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor for more information.
INDINAVIR belongs to pregnancy category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Avoid breastfeeding while taking INDINAVIR. HIV-positive women must not breastfeed as HIV infection can be passed to the baby in breast milk.
It is not known if INDINAVIR affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are feeling well.
Please consult your doctor if you have liver problems, particularly if you have mild or moderate liver disease caused by cirrhosis.
Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Please consult the doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a suitable dose based on your child's age and condition.
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.