TL;DR:
Indinavir (brand name Crixivan) belongs to the protease inhibitor class. HIV needs an enzyme called protease to cut up its proteins and assemble new virus particles. Indinavir sticks to the enzyme, stopping it from working. Without functional protease, the virus can’t mature, which slows the infection and gives the immune system a chance to recover.
It was one of the first protease inhibitors approved in the late 1990s and is still prescribed when doctors need an alternative to newer drugs that may cause more metabolic issues.
Getting the dose right is the biggest factor in making Indinavir work. Below is a quick‑start checklist:
If you’re on a rescue regimen (e.g., during pregnancy) your doctor may adjust the schedule, but the principle stays the same: keep levels steady, take with food, and drink plenty of fluids.
Most people tolerate Indinavir well, but some side effects pop up more often than others. Below is a snapshot of frequency and practical coping tips.
| Side Effect | Frequency | Management Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) | ~2‑4% of patients | Drink >2L water daily, avoid high‑oxalate foods, report flank pain immediately. |
| Nausea / vomiting | 10‑15% | Take with a meal, consider anti‑emetic if severe. |
| Fatigue | 12‑18% | Maintain regular sleep schedule, avoid alcohol. |
| Diarrhea | 7‑10% | Hydrate, use over‑the‑counter loperamide if needed. |
| High cholesterol / triglycerides | 5‑8% | Eat a low‑fat diet, get lipid panel checked every 3-6months. |
Serious but rare events include severe allergic reactions and hepatitis. If you notice rash, fever, or yellowing of the skin, seek medical help right away.
Indinavir lives in a crowded pharmacy shelf; it can play nice or clash with other meds. The biggest culprits are drugs that affect the liver enzyme CYP3A4, which metabolises Indinavir.
Always hand your pharmacist a full list of prescriptions, over‑the‑counter meds and supplements. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, discuss risks: Indinavir is category C, meaning animal studies showed risk but human data are limited. In many cases, the benefit of controlling HIV outweighs potential fetal concerns, but close monitoring is essential.
In Australia, Indinavir is a Schedule4 prescription drug, so you’ll need a doctor’s script and a licensed pharmacy. Some online pharmacies list it without a prescription - avoid those, as counterfeit pills can cause dangerous outcomes.
When you pick up the medication, check the expiry date and the capsule colour (pink‑white, imprint "IND" on one side). Store it at room temperature, away from moisture.
After starting therapy, schedule blood work at 2‑week, 1‑month and then quarterly intervals to monitor viral load, kidney function (creatinine, urine analysis) and lipid profile. If creatinine climbs or you develop hematuria, your doctor may lower the dose or switch to a different protease inhibitor.
Finally, keep a medication diary. Note the time you take each dose, any side effects, and fluid intake. This record helps your clinician fine‑tune the regimen and spot patterns early.
If you’re about to start Indinavir, schedule a baseline labs panel with your GP or HIV specialist. Bring this guide and discuss:
If you’re already on Indinavir and notice new symptoms, contact your clinician promptly. Keep your pharmacy receipt as proof of a legitimate source.
Remember, the goal of any HIV regimen is viral suppression and quality of life. With the right dosing, hydration, and monitoring, Indinavir can be a reliable part of that plan.
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