We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Crixivan®?

By Ann Olson
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,095
Share

Crixivan® is the brand name for indinavir, a drug used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is a viral infection that spreads through the body by replicating and damages the body's immune system. Crixivan® is a protease inhibitor, which helps prevent replication, thus helping to slow the spread of the infection. Although Crixivan® is not a cure for HIV, it can help prolong the transition from HIV to AIDS, allowing people to live longer.

Crixivan® specifically prevents HIV from turning into AIDS by blocking a specific part of the HIV virus, an enzyme called protease. When protease is not blocked, the HIV virus can continue to create replicas of itself that can infect new cells and weaken the immune system. Blocking protease, however, can prevent HIV cells from injecting the material that allows it to reproduce into healthy cells, limiting its ability to replicate and spread.

There are serious advantages and disadvantages to taking Crixivan®. Although it can prevent infected cells from replicating and help slow the weakening of the immune system, it also can put undue stress on the kidneys. It is not uncommon to develop kidney stones from this medication. It is also not uncommon to have trouble urinating, and many patients experience serious back pain, which cannot always be treated with medications.

These complications largely can be avoided with good hydration, however. Drinking at least 64 fluid ounces (about 1.89 liters) of water every day is highly recommended to prevent kidney stones from forming. Avoiding beverages that dehydrate the body, such as alcohol or caffeinated sodas, is also highly recommended.

Not taking the drug as prescribed, skipping doses or taking Crixivan® with the wrong food or beverage combination can decrease its efficacy, which can cause the HIV virus to become more resistant to it. It is very important to follow any instructions given by a doctor to prevent the virus from becoming resistant. The drug should be taken on an empty stomach. In the event it causes stomach upset, it may be taken with a very light meal. It also is important to avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

Though very rare, patients should be aware that this drug can increase the risk for diabetes, which can cause further complications for people diagnosed with HIV. Eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding high glycemic foods and eating regularly can reduce some of the symptoms caused by Crixivaxin®-induced diabetes. Still, some of Crixivan's® side effects cannot be avoided or treated.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-crixivan.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.