Crixivan is an anti-HIV medication. It is in a category of HIV medications called protease inhibitors (PIs). Crixivan prevents T-cells that have been infected with HIV from producing new HIV.

Crixivan, manufactured by Merck & Company, was approved for the treatment of HIV by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996.

Crixivan must be used in combination with at least two other anti-HIV drugs.

Crixivan is broken down (metabolized) by the liver, like many medications used to treat HIV and AIDS. This means that Crixivan can interact with other medications. Crixivan can lower or raise the levels of other medications in the body. Similarly, other medications can lower or raise the levels of Crixivan in the body. While many interactions are not a problem, some can cause your medications to be less effective or increase the risk of side effects.

The following medications should not be taken while you are being treated with Crixivan:

• Acid reflux/heartburn medications: Propulsid (cisapride)

• Antimigraine medications: Methergine, Methylergometrine (methylergonovine); Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine (ergotamine); Ergotrate, Methergine (ergonovine); or D.H.E. 45, Migranal (dihydroergotamine)

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins): Zocor (simvastatin) and Mevacor (lovastatin)

• Heart medications: Cordarone (amiodarone)

• Antipsychotics: Orap (pimozide)

• Sedatives: Versed (midazolam) and Halcion (triazolam)

• Pulmonary Hypertension: sildenafil, used as Revatio

• Herbal products: St. John's wort

If Crixivan is combined with low-dose Norvir, the following medications should also be avoided:

• Antifungals: Vfend (voriconazole)

• Antihistamines: Hismanal (astemizole) or Seldane (terfenadine)

• Heart medications: Vascor (bepridil), Tambocor (flecainide), Rythmol (propafenone), or Quinaglute/Quinidex (quinidine)

• Enlarged prostate: Uroxatral (alfuzosin)

Anticonvulsants, such as Tegretol ( carbamazepine), Luminal (phenobarbital), and Dilantin (phenytoin), decrease the amount of Crixivan in the bloodstream. Alternatives to these three anticonvulsants should be considered.

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).

Some side effects of Crixivan involve the skin. 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.

Crixivan can cause creatinine levels to increase in the bloodstream. Creatinine is a marker of muscle function. Increased creatinine levels, caused by Crixivan use, is not believed to be dangerous.

Short-term side effects include appetite loss, headaches, feeling crummy (malaise), diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Very often, these side effects improve within a few months/weeks of starting Crixivan.

$290.00

Product Code: CRI865PW7