Indinavir

What is Indinavir?

Indinavir is an antiretroviral medicine in the protease inhibitor class. In the UK, it is prescribed to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and is usually taken with other antiviral medicines. Indinavir helps reduce viral replication in the body, but it does not cure HIV. It will not work for influenza (flu), colds or other non-HIV viral infections.

Ask your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional in the United Kingdom for more information about how this medicine may affect you.

What important information should I know about Indinavir?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can reduce indinavir levels. Avoid grapefruit products while taking indinavir unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

Do not stop taking indinavir or change your dose without medical advice. Stopping treatment can make it less effective and may contribute to viral resistance.

Indinavir may cause dizziness or affect coordination. Take care when driving, using machinery, climbing or doing anything hazardous until you know how the medicine affects you.

Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects such as flushing and a rapid heart rate. Take care with alcohol while taking indinavir.

Always tell a doctor before giving indinavir to a child.

What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?

Your healthcare provider should know if you have:

• Heart disorders (including rhythm problems)
• Liver disease or kidney disease
• Anaemia or other blood disorders
• An allergy to indinavir or similar medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• Stomach or bowel problems (including colitis)
• Haemophilia
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans to become pregnant

How to take Indinavir

Indinavir comes as capsules to take by mouth.

The usual adult dose is 800 mg taken every 8 hours (3 times daily).

Take indinavir with a full glass of water. It is important to take it on an empty stomach: 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If needed, it may be taken with juice, coffee, tea, skimmed milk or a light meal (for example, dry toast or corn flakes).

Swallow the capsules whole. Do not open, crush, chew or break them.

Your dose may vary depending on your treatment plan. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

What should you do if you miss a dose?

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 regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

What should you do in case of overdose?

Get medical help straight away if you think you have taken too much. Symptoms of overdose may include pain in your side, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea or blood in the urine.

What drugs may interact with Indinavir?

• Atorvastatin
• Carbamazepine
• Clarithromycin
• Ciclosporin
• Dexamethasone
• Fluticasone
• Lidocaine
• Medicines for depression, anxiety or psychotic disorders
• Medicines for erectile dysfunction
• Antifungals such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
• Blood pressure medicines such as amlodipine, felodipine or nifedipine
• Other medicines for HIV
• Phenytoin
• Phenobarbital
• Quinidine
• Rifabutin
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus

This is not a complete list of interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more detailed information.

Talk to your healthcare provider about using this medicine with food, alcohol or tobacco.

What side effects may occur?

• Allergic reactions (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face; itching; rash)
• Breathing problems, chest pain, shortness of breath
• Fever, chills, sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, tremor, muscle stiffness, spasms
• Difficulty passing urine, dark urine, blood in the urine
• Headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears or hearing loss
• Indigestion, upset stomach, bloating, gas, abdominal pain or cramps
• Severe skin reactions (redness, blistering, peeling or mouth sores)
• Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Tiredness or faintness
• Signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Changes in body fat distribution (weight gain around the waist/back or thinning of the face/arms/legs)
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the lower back or side

If side effects continue or get worse, contact your doctor straight away. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

How should Indinavir be stored?

Store indinavir at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F), in a tightly closed container. Protect it from moisture, direct heat and light. Do not store it in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.