Crixivan

Generic name: Indinavir sulfate

Why is Crixivan prescribed?

Crixivan is used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes the immune system to break down so that it can no longer fight off other infections. This leads to the fatal disease known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

HIV thrives by taking over the immune system's vital CD4 cells (white blood cells) and using their inner workings to make additional copies of itself. Crixivan belongs to a class of HIV drugs called protease inhibitors, which work by interfering with an important step in the virus's reproductive cycle. Although Crixivan cannot eliminate HIV already present in the body, it can reduce the amount of virus available to infect other cells.

Crixivan can be taken alone or in combination with other HIV drugs such as zidovudine. Because Crixivan and zidovudine attack the virus in different ways, the combination is likely to be more effective than either drug alone.

Most important fact about Crixivan

It is important that you drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of liquid (preferably water) daily while taking Crixivan. If you do not get enough liquid, you may develop kidney stones and have to temporarily stop taking Crixivan or even discontinue it altogether.

How should you take Crixivan?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not share this medication with anyone and do not take more than your recommended dosage.

To ensure maximum absorption, do not take Crixivan with food. Instead, take it with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. (Crixivan may also be taken with liquids such as skim milk, juice, coffee, or tea, or even with a light meal such as dry toast with jelly, juice, and coffee with skim milk and sugar, or corn flakes with skim milk and sugar.)

• If you miss a dose...
  Skip it and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not double the dose.

• Storage instructions...
  Crixivan capsules are sensitive to moisture. Store Crixivan at room temperature in the original container and leave the drying agent in the bottle to keep the medication dry. Keep the container tightly closed.