Indinavir is used together with other medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection which can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. It only helps to keep the virus in check and can help improve the quality of life. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Take Indinavir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If you are having problems in taking it without food, you may take it with a low-fat light meal such as dry toast with jam or cornflakes. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water, skimmed or low-fat milk, juice, tea or coffee. Do not chew or crush the capsule. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Take Indinavir at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Indinavir if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. breathlessness, rashes, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
If you have HIV, it is best that you do not breastfeed as HIV passes into the breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding in order to reduce the risk of passing HIV to your baby. It is recommended to give your baby commercial infant formula provided that you have access to clean water and facilities.
Do not take Indinavir with certain medicines used for enlarged prostate, heart disease, high cholesterol levels, stomach disorder, mood disorder and colds or allergies. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetes
- haemophilia (a rare disorder in which your blood does not clot properly)
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Indinavir is not a cure for HIV. It only helps to slow down the development of HIV infection.
This medicine does not reduce your risk of passing the HIV infection to others through sexual contact or through contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading HIV to others.
Both this medicine and HIV may weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid crowded places or those who are sick to minimise the risk of catching an infection. While undergoing treatment, you may develop other infections or experience other health problems. Always keep your doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed check-ups.
It is important to drink at least 1.5 litres of liquid every day while taking Indinavir to minimise the risk of getting kidney stones.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. You may need to have routine blood tests (e.g. cholesterol level, blood sugar level, liver function test, complete blood count, urine test, amount of HIV in a blood sample) while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Indinavir may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, stomach wind, dry mouth, indigestion, altered taste, headache, dizziness, rash or dry skin, itching, weakness or lack of energy, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, difficulty sleeping, and muscle pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, mouth or eyes
- pain in the lower back or side of the body, blood in the urine, painful urination, fever or chills
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- frequent and persistent sore throat with fever
- feeling tired and worn out accompanied by fever, confusion, paleness or lack of skin colour
- thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing and a fruity breath odour
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Indinavir with the following medicines:
- alfuzosin (medicine to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate)
- amiodarone (medicine for heart disease)
- medicines for migraine e.g. dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. lovastatin, simvastatin
- cisapride (medicine for stomach problem)
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. lurasidone, pimozide
- medicines for difficulty in sleeping or anxiety e.g. alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam
- sildenafil (medicine used for high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs)
- atazanavir (medicine for HIV infection)
- medicines for colds or allergy e.g. astemizole, terfenadine
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for HIV infection e.g. delavirdine, didanosine, efavirenz
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. amlodipine, nicardipine, diltiazem
- dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory medicine)
- rifabutin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
- medicines to treat depression e.g. venlafaxine, trazodone
- other cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. rosuvastatin, atorvastatin
- medicines used to treat impotence e.g. tadalafil, vardenafil
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Indinavir.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Do not take Indinavir together with food high in calories, fat and protein as the effectiveness of this medicine may be reduced. Ask your doctor about the types of food you should avoid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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