Indinavir Side Effects: What to Expect and How to Manage Them
If you’ve been prescribed indinavir for HIV, you probably wonder what it will do to your body. The drug works well to keep the virus in check, but like any medicine it can cause unwanted reactions. Knowing the most likely side effects helps you stay ahead of problems and keep taking your treatment without panic.
Common Indinavir Side Effects
About half of people on indinavir notice at least one of these symptoms. Most are mild and disappear after a few weeks:
- Kidney stones. Indinavir can form crystals that turn into stones. You may feel sharp pain in the side or back, especially after a night without water.
- Increased blood lipids. Your cholesterol and triglyceride numbers can rise. A simple blood test will catch this early.
- Diarrhea or nausea. Your stomach may get upset, especially when you first start the drug.
- Fatigue. Feeling more tired than usual is common. Rest and proper nutrition help.
- Rash. A mild skin rash can appear. If it spreads quickly, call your doctor.
Staying hydrated is the single easiest trick to reduce kidney‑stone risk. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day and avoid sugary drinks that can worsen blood lipid levels.
When to Seek Medical Help
Most side effects are manageable, but some need prompt attention. Call your doctor or go to urgent care if you experience:
- Severe, sudden back or side pain that could indicate a kidney stone.
- Blood in urine or very dark urine.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat – these could signal heart issues linked to high lipids.
- Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or inability to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours.
- High fever, severe rash, or swelling of the face and tongue – signs of an allergic reaction.
When you call, have your current dose, how long you’ve been on the drug, and any other medicines you’re taking ready. This lets the provider see if an interaction might be the cause.
To keep side effects low, follow these simple steps:
- Take indinavir exactly as prescribed – usually on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
- Schedule regular blood work. Labs will catch changes in kidney function and lipids before they cause trouble.
- Stay active. Light exercise helps lower cholesterol and keeps your weight stable.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Cut down on fried foods and sugary snacks.
- Never skip doses. Missing pills can let the virus rebound and may increase side‑effect severity when you restart.
If a side effect becomes too bothersome, your doctor may lower the dose or switch you to another HIV drug. That decision is always a balance between keeping the virus suppressed and protecting your overall health.
Remember, indinavir has helped millions live longer, healthier lives. Knowing the warning signs, staying hydrated, and keeping up with check‑ups turns a potential problem into a manageable part of your treatment plan.
