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). You should not take LEXIVA with: AGENERASE® (amprenavir), Halcion® (triazolam), ergot medications (Cafergot®, Migranal®, D.H.E. 45®, and others), Propulsid® (cisapride), CONTINUED BELOW

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Talking to Your Doctor

Starting the Conversation About HIV Treatment with Your Doctor

It can be hard to talk about HIV treatment, even with a healthcare professional. But good communication can help ensure you are receiving the treatment that's right for you. These questions can help you get started.

Questions for Your Doctor

Whether you are currently on medication or new to treatment, this is the perfect time for you and your doctor to figure out the right HIV treatment plan. Print the Questions to ask your Doctor and bring them to your next appointment.

Lifestyle

  • How do I avoid giving HIV to other people?
  • How do I tell people I care about that I have HIV?
  • Can I eat and drink whatever and whenever I want while I'm taking medicine?

Tests and Lab Work

  • What are my current test results, and what do they mean?
  • How often should these tests be performed?
  • How often do my CD4 (T-cell) count and viral load need to be checked?
  • Should I be tested for other STDs?

Terms and Definitions

  • What is CD4 (T-cell) count, and why is it important?
  • What is viral load, and how does it relate to CD4 (T-cell) count?

HIV Medicine

  • Are certain HIV medicines more convenient than others?
  • Is there an HIV treatment that isn't known to cause yellowing of the skin or eyes?
  • Is there a medicine I can take only once a day?
  • For what reasons would I ever need to change medicines?
  • What side effects do I need to be aware of?

My Treatment Regimen

  • When should I start taking medicine?
  • What do I do if I miss a dose one day?
  • Are there any over-the-counter medicines or supplements I should avoid?
  • Should I take vitamins or other supplements?


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Lifestyle

  • What else can I do to stay healthy?
  • Is one HIV medicine more convenient than others?

Tests and Lab Work

  • What are my current test results, and what do they mean?
  • If my viral load starts to increase or my CD4 (T-cell) count starts to decrease, what should we do?

HIV Medicine

  • I'm having a new side effect; what does it mean? (Examples: change in appetite, weight gain or loss, excessive diarrhea or nausea, or low energy level)
  • Is there an HIV medicine that isn’t known to cause yellowing of the skin or eyes?

My Treatment Regimen

  • Is it time to consider changing my HIV treatment plan? If not now, then when?
  • Is there a medicine I can take only once a day?
  • Should we consider a switch to LEXIVA?


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Next Page: RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS

*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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Questions for Your Doctor

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INDICATION AND 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

  • The 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.
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