Generic Name: indinavir

Pronunciation: KRIK-sih-van

Abbreviation: IDV

Other Market Name: N/A

Drug Class: Protease Inhibitors (PIs)

Company: Merck & Company

Approval Status: Approved

Generic Version Available: No

Experimental Code: N/A


Drug Indication

Not part of a recommended or alternative treatment regimen for antiretroviral-naive people living with HIV, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents. Visit http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/lvguidelines/aa_recommendations.pdf for the full DHHS guidelines.


General Info

Crixivan is an HIV medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called protease inhibitors. Crixivan was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use by people living with HIV in 1996.

Crixivan must be combined with other HIV drugs.


Dosage

Adult Dose: Two 400mg capsules, every 8 hours, OR two 400mg capsules with either one OR two 100mg Norvir tablets (or capsules) twice a day (preferred dosing).

Pediatric Dose: N/A

Dosing Info: Without Norvir: Take on an empty stomach (no food two hours before or one hour after dosing), or with a light, low-fat snack.

With Norvir: Take with or without food.

Drink at least 48 ounces (six 8-oz. glasses) of water daily to prevent kidney stones.


Side Effects

Crixivan forms crystals in the urine, which occurs in as many as 40% of people taking this drug. This can cause kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), pain when urinating, and back pain. To reduce the risk of these side effects, it is advised that people taking Crixivan drink at least six eight-ounce glasses of water a day (at least 48 ounces).

People taking Crixivan are more likely to experience rash, dry skin, patches of dark skin (hyperpigmentation), hair loss, dry lips, and brittle fingernails and toenails.

Some people may experience increases in their lipid levels (triglycerides and cholesterol) or diabetes risk while being treated with protease inhibitors, including Crixivan.

Drug-induced hepatitis (liver injury) has been reported in people taking protease inhibitors, including Crixivan. This usually occurred in people who had extremely low CD4 cells, were taking multiple other medications and who were also infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Lab tests to monitor liver function is an important component of routine follow-up care and important for people using protease inhibitors.

Other possible side effects include appetite loss, headaches, feeling crummy (malaise), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, elevated creatinine levels, and elevated bilirubin levels (along with yellowing of the skin and eyes).


Drug Interactions

Crixivan, particularly when combined with Norvir, can increase the levels of many other drugs in the body, potentially increasing the risk of serious side effects (some coadministered drugs can also decrease or increase Crixivan levels in the bloodstream). Dosage adjustments or substitutions may be necessary if you are prescribed certain medications from any of the following drug classes: antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, cancer chemotherapeutic drugs, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antifungals, anti-gout medications, antimalarial drugs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids (oral and inhaled), endothelin receptor antagonists, hepatitis C medications, statins, hormonal contraceptives, immune-suppressants, inhaled beta agonists, narcotic medications (for pain and opioid dependence), neuroleptics/anti-seizure medications, erectile dysfunction drugs, and sedatives/hypnotics. Consult the Crixivan package insert for more details: http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/c/crixivan/crixivan_ppi.pdf


Other Info

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease (including hepatitis B). In addition, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, and all your medical conditions.

It is also very important that your health care provider and pharmacist know all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking at all times while using an HIV treatment regimen that contains Crixivan.


For More Info: http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/c/crixivan/crixivan_ppi.pdf

Co-Pay Program Info: https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs

Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs

Last Reviewed: July 15, 2016