Indinavir

Indinavir is an HIV protease inhibitor. It works by slowing the growth of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Indinavir is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. Indinavir prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Do not use Indinavir if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Artane;
• you are taking alfuzosin, amiodarone, astemizole, atazanavir, certain benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam), certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g., lovastatin, simvastatin), cisapride, an ergot derivative (e.g., ergonovine, ergotamine), erythromycin, pimozide, a proton pump inhibitor (e.g., omeprazole), rifampin, a serotonin 5-HT1 receptor antagonist (e.g., eletriptan, sumatriptan), St. John's wort, or terfenadine.

• Indinavir may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Indinavir with caution. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to it.
• This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. Patients may still get illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor.
• Indinavir does not stop the spread of HIV to others through blood or sexual contact. Use barrier forms of contraception (e.g., condoms) if you have HIV infection. Do not share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors.
• When your medicine supply is low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can. Do not stop taking Indinavir, even for a short period of time. If you do, the virus may grow resistant to the medicine and become harder to treat.
• Indinavir may improve immune system function. This may reveal hidden infections in some patients. Tell your doctor right away if you notice signs or symptoms of an infection (eg, fever, sore throat, weakness, cough, shortness of breath) after you start Indinavir.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. Mothers infected with HIV should not breast-feed. There is a risk of passing the HIV infection or Indinavir to the baby. It is not known if Indinavir is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Indinavir.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• bad taste in the mouth; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; tiredness; vomiting; weakness.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back, flank, or side pain; bloody or cloudy urine; change in the amount of urine; changes in appetite; chest pain; chills; confusion; dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; flushed face; heartburn; ingrown toenails; joint or muscle aches; mental or mood changes; numbness of the mouth; one-sided numbness or weakness; pain while urinating; pale stools; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe dizziness or fainting; severe or persistent stomach pain or upset; speech problems; swelling of the feet, hands, lower legs, or stomach; unusual hair loss; unusual paleness; unusual tiredness; unusually dry skin; vision changes; weight changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Indinavir is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.