Crixivan

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Crixivan.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, back pain, bladder stones, changes in taste, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry skin, fatigue, headache, itching, jaundice (yellowish skin or eyes, especially in children), kidney stones, liver problems, loss of appetite, nausea, pain in the side, rash, redistribution of body fat, sore throat or upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, weakness

Why should Crixivan not be prescribed?

Certain drugs, when combined with Crixivan may cause serious, even life-threatening reactions. The following drugs should not be taken if you are taking Crixivan:

Amiodarone (Pacerone)
Cisapride
Ergot-based drugs such as Cafergot, Methergine, Migranal
Midazolam (Versed)
Pimozide (Orap)
Triazolam (Halcion)

If you suffer a severe allergic reaction to Crixivan or any of its ingredients, you should not take this medication.

Special warnings about Crixivan

Although Crixivan reduces the amount of HIV in the blood and increases the white blood cell count, its long-term effect on survival is still unknown. The virus remains in the body, and you will continue to face the possibility of complications, including opportunistic infections (rare infections that develop when the immune system falters) such as certain types of pneumonia, tuberculosis, and fungal infection. Therefore, it is important that you remain under the care of a doctor and keep all your follow-up appointments.

Crixivan is not a cure for HIV infection, and it does not reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Therefore, you should continue to avoid practices that could spread HIV.

Protease inhibitors such as Crixivan have been known to trigger diabetes (high blood sugar levels) or worsen existing diabetes. If you have diabetes, the dosages of your diabetes medications may have to be adjusted.