IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION  Prescribing Information

Indication and Usage: LEXIVA is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV infection. The PI-experienced–patient study was not large enough to reach a definitive conclusion that LEXIVA/ritonavir and lopinavir/ritonavir are clinically equivalent. Once-daily administration of LEXIVA plus ritonavir is not recommended for PI-experienced patients or any pediatric patients. LEXIVA does not cure HIV or prevent passing HIV to others.

Important Safety Information: You should not take LEXIVA if you have had an allergic reaction to LEXIVA or AGENERASE® (amprenavir). Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver or kidney problems, have diabetes or hemophilia, are allergic to sulfa medicines, or are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. CONTINUED BELOW

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Frequently Asked Questions About LEXIVA

Click on a question below to get an explanation of the answer.

What is LEXIVA?

LEXIVA is a protease inhibitor that, when taken with other HIV medications, has benefits that might make it a convenient treatment for HIV.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking LEXIVA?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions and any medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. It is important to mention if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed if you are HIV-positive because of the chance of passing the HIV to your baby through your milk. You should also let your doctor know about these conditions: liver problems, kidney problems, diabetes, hemophilia, and allergies to sulfa medicines.

How should I take LEXIVA?

For people who have never taken a protease inhibitor before, LEXIVA can be taken in the following ways:

  • Two 700 mg tablets of LEXIVA plus one 100 mg tablet of Norvir® (ritonavir) once a day
  • Two 700 mg tablets of LEXIVA plus two 100 mg tablets of Norvir, once a day
  • Two 700 mg tablets of LEXIVA, twice a day, without Norvir
  • One 700 mg tablet of LEXIVA plus one 100 mg tablet of Norvir, twice a day

For people who have taken a protease inhibitor before:

  • One 700 mg tablet of LEXIVA plus one 100 mg tablet of Norvir, twice a day.

Plus, LEXIVA does not have to be taken with food. You can eat and drink whenever you like when taking LEXIVA.

Are there any foods or liquids I should avoid while taking LEXIVA?

LEXIVA has no rules about what to eat and when. You can also use common antacids or heartburn medications without worrying about changing how LEXIVA works.

Can I take my heartburn medication while taking LEXIVA?

You can use many common antacids or heartburn medications without worrying about changing how LEXIVA works. LEXIVA without ritonavir may be less effective because of decreased amprenavir plasma concentrations in patients taking H2-receptor antagonists at the same time. No dose adjustment required with proton pump inhibitors when administered at the same time as LEXIVA.

What are the possible side effects of LEXIVA?

The most common side effects in clinical studies of LEXIVA were diarrhea, headache, nausea, rash, and vomiting. In most cases, these side effects did not cause people to stop taking their medicine. Other important side effects occurring in some patients included high blood sugar, diabetes or worsening of diabetes, bleeding in hemophiliacs, changes in body fat, and skin rashes.

How should I store LEXIVA?

  • LEXIVA should not be refrigerated
  • Keep LEXIVA and all medicines out of the reach of children
  • Do not keep any medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need

With the exception of LEXIVA, the products mentioned on this page are not trademarks of ViiV Healthcare. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse ViiV Healthcare.

*Individual experiences may vary. By prescription only.
Talk to your doctor to see if LEXIVA is right for you.
 Please see the full Prescribing Information for LEXIVA

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Important Safety Information

LEXIVA is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV infection.

  • The PI-experienced–patient study was not large enough to reach a definitive conclusion that LEXIVA/ritonavir and lopinavir/ritonavir are clinically equivalent
  • Once-daily administration of LEXIVA plus ritonavir is not recommended for PI-experienced patients or any pediatric patients

LEXIVA does not cure HIV or prevent passing HIV to others.

Important Safety Information

  • You should not take LEXIVA if you have had an allergic reaction to LEXIVA or AGENERASE® (amprenavir).
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver or kidney problems, have diabetes or hemophilia, are allergic to sulfa medicines, or are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • High blood sugar, diabetes or worsening of diabetes, and bleeding in hemophiliacs have occurred in some patients taking protease inhibitors.
  • When you start taking HIV medicines, your immune system may get stronger and could begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body, such as pneumonia, herpes virus, or tuberculosis. If you have new symptoms after starting your HIV medicines, be sure to tell your doctor.
  • Changes in body fat may occur in some patients taking antiretroviral therapy. The cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time.
  • Skin rashes can occur in patients taking LEXIVA.
  • Opportunistic infections can develop when you have HIV and your immune system is weak. It is very important that you see your healthcare provider regularly while you are taking LEXIVA to discuss any side effects or concerns.
  • Kidney stones have been reported in patients taking LEXIVA. Tell your healthcare provider if you have pain in your side, blood in your urine, or pain when you urinate.
  • Missing or skipping doses of your medicine may make it easier for the virus to mutate and multiply. Your medicines may not work as well against a mutated virus, and you may become cross-resistant to other HIV medicines. It’s important to take your medicine exactly as prescribed.

Most Common Side Effects

  • Most common side effects in clinical studies were diarrhea, headache, nausea, rash, and vomiting. In most cases, these side effects did not cause people to stop taking their medicine.

Drug Interactions

  • LEXIVA should not be taken with: AGENERASE® (amprenavir), Halcion® (triazolam), ergot medications (Cafergot®, Migranal®, D.H.E. 45®, and others), Propulsid® (cisapride), Versed® (midazolam), Orap® (pimozide), Zocor® (simvastatin), Mevacor® (lovastatin), Rifadin® (rifampin), Rescriptor® (delavirdine mesylate), Revatio® (sildenafil), Uroxatral® (alfuzosin), or St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum). If you are taking Norvir® (ritonavir), you should not take Tambocor® (flecainide) or Rythmol® (propafenone hydrochloride).
  • Serious and/or life-threatening events could occur between LEXIVA and other medications, including Cordarone® (amiodarone), lidocaine (intravenous only), Elavil® (amitriptyline HCl), and Tofranil® (imipramine pamoate), tricyclic antidepressants, Advair® (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) and Serevent® (salmeterol), and Quinaglute® (quinidine).
  • Women who use birth control pills should choose a different kind of birth control. The use of LEXIVA with Norvir (ritonavir) in combination with birth control pills may hurt your liver. Also, birth control pills may not work if you take LEXIVA or LEXIVA with Norvir. Talk to your healthcare provider about choosing the right birth control for you.
  • Patients taking Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) or LEVITRA® (vardenafil HCl) with LEXIVA may be at increased risk of side effects.
  • This list of drug interactions is not complete. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking or plan to take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbals.