IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

INDINAVIR CAPSULE - ORAL

(in-DIN-uh-veer)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Crixivan

USES: This drug is used in combination with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life.

Indinavir belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors. It may be given with ritonavir, another protease inhibitor, to increase ("boost") the levels of indinavir. This helps indinavir work better.

Indinavir is not a cure for HIV. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to prevent HIV infection after contact with the virus.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking indinavir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food), usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If upset stomach occurs, you may take it with other liquids (such as non-fat milk, apple juice, coffee, tea) or with a light meal (such as dry toast with jelly, corn flakes with non-fat milk and sugar). Avoid taking this medication with a meal high in calories, fat, and protein since this may decrease its effect. If you are directed to take ritonavir with this medication, take them both at the same times.

To help decrease the risk of kidney stones while taking indinavir, drink at least 6 full glasses (8 ounces or 240 milliliters each) of water or other liquids throughout the day.

The dosage is based on your weight, liver function, medical condition, other medications, and response to treatment.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat, or worsen side effects.