Indinavir belongs to a new class of drugs called protease inhibitors (pronounced PRO-tee-ase). It interferes with a different
step in virus reproduction than other drugs previously available to fight HIV. Indinavir is an antiretroviral medication that
slows down the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and may therefore slow the progression of the HIV
disease. Indinavir does not cure HIV nor does it prevent HIV transmission. It is not currently known how long the
beneficial effects of this medication will last. Therefore, it is important that your progress is assessed regularly.
HOW should this drug be taken ?
The dose of indinavir is 800 mg taken orally every 8 hours on an empty stomach.
· Indinavir is supplied as 200mg and 400mg white capsules
· Indinavir should be taken with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If water is not preferred, indinavir can be taken
with skimmed or fat-free milk, juice, coffee, or tea; or a light low-fat snack such as dry toast and jam or fruit conserve; or
corn flakes with skimmed or fat-free milk and sugar. Since meals high in calories, fat and protein will reduce your body's ability to absorb the drug, avoid taking indinavir with such meals.
· It is important to drink at least 1.5 liters of liquids during each day to ensure adequate hydration. This may decrease the chance of developing kidney stones.
What should you do if you FORGET a dose ?
If you miss a dose of indinavir, take it as soon as possible, then just carry on with your regular dosing schedule. If you
remember your missed dose close to the time for your next dose (ie. within 2 hours), do not double your dose. Continue with your regular dosing schedule.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause? What should you do about them?
Inform your physician of kidney or liver disease prior to taking this medication.
The most commonly reported side-effects include: kidney stones associated with back pain with or without blood in the
urine, increased bilirubin (usually with no symptoms), weakness/fatigue. abdominal pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, headache, dry skin, rash, and taste changes.
If you develop any of these symptoms, notify your pharmacist, nurse or physician
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR REGULAR DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug?
Indinavir can interact with other drugs. It is important that your physician or pharmacist knows about other drugs you are taking, even medications you can buy without a prescription.
· Some medications when administered with indinavir may require a dosage reduction of that medication or indinavir. These include rifabutin (Mycobutin) and ketoconazole (Nizoral).
· Medications that should NOT be taken with indinavir include: triazolam (Halcion)
midazolam (Versed)
rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rimactene), astemizole (Hismanal)
terfenadine (Seldane)
cisapride (Prepulsid)
Indinavir should be administered at least 1 hour apart from ddI (didanosine).
The safety of indinavir has not been established during pregnancy or breast feeding. Please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist if this is a concern.
How should this medication be STORED ?
Indinavir capsules are sensitive to moisture. Store in its original container at room temperature (15-30 C). Do not store in
your bathroom medicine cabinet. Protect from moisture. Keep well out of the reach of children.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR
PHARMACIST, NURSE, OR PHYSICIAN.
PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.
A pharmacist at ___________________ is available to answer questions.
The telephone number is ___________. Please ask for ____________________.
