Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Crixivan.
Bleeding problems: Indinavir may put people with Hemophilia at a higher risk of bleeding while taking this medication. If you have hemophilia, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Crixivan, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Indinavir may also reduce the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are responsible for forming clots. If you experience unusual bruising or bleeding, bleeding gums, unusual nosebleeds, stools that look like coffee grounds, or blood in your urine, contact your doctor immediately.
Diabetes: Indinavir may cause diabetes or increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Crixivan may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is required.
If you experience symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination or increased thirst, or a fruity odour to your breath, contact your doctor.
Fat redistribution: Over time, Crixivan may change how fat is distributed in your body and may change your body shape. You may notice increased fat in the upper back and neck, on the breast, and around the back, chest, and stomach area; or loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face. The long-term effects of this are not known.
Immune reconstitution syndrome: Crixivan may cause immune reconstitution syndrome, where signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections appear. These symptoms occur soon after starting anti-HIV medication and can vary. They are thought to occur as a result of the immune system improving and being able to fight infections that have been present without symptoms (such as pneumonia, herpes, or Tuberculosis). Report any new symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Kidney function: Indinavir can cause kidney stones. To reduce the possibility of developing this painful side effect, it is advised that you drink 1.5 L of water each day. If you experience signs of kidney stones, such as sharp pain in the side or abdomen, blood in the urine or painful urination, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Crixivan may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Indinavir is removed from the body by the liver and may cause liver problems. If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Crixivan, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems (e.g., abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine), contact your doctor immediately.
Red blood cells: Indinavir may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Stopping the medication: If you stop taking Crixivan, your HIV infection could get worse. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not stop taking the medication without checking with your doctor first.
Pregnancy: The safety and effectiveness of using indinavir during pregnancy are not known. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Crixivan, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if indinavir passes into breast milk. Women with HIV infection are cautioned against breast-feeding because of the risk of passing HIV to a baby who does not have the infection, since the virus can be transmitted through breast milk.
Children: Studies have shown that children are more likely to develop kidney stones than adults if they take indinavir. Indinavir is not recommended for children.
Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of indinavir have not been established for seniors.
