Lexiva vs. Crixivan for HIV Treatment: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Fosamprenavir (Lexiva) and indinavir (Crixivan) are both medications used to treat HIV infections and belong to the protease inhibitor class of antiretroviral (ARV) medications. However, there are several differences between them. Fosamprenavir (Lexiva) is still available as an oral tablet or suspension, while indinavir (Crixivan) has been discontinued in the U.S. due to business reasons and the availability of newer treatments. Fosamprenavir (Lexiva) is typically taken twice daily and often requires a "booster" like ritonavir to enhance its effectiveness, whereas indinavir (Crixivan) was taken without such a booster. Fosamprenavir (Lexiva) can cause side effects like rash, diarrhea, and nausea, and it interacts with many other medications, including birth control pills and PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil. Indinavir (Crixivan) was known for its side effects and interactions, which contributed to its decline in use. While fosamprenavir (Lexiva) is still prescribed, it is not a first-choice option due to its side effects and interactions, similar to why indinavir (Crixivan) fell out of favor before being discontinued.

Fosamprenavir

(Lexiva)

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Crixivan

(indinavir)

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Summary for Lexiva

Prescription only

Fosamprenavir (Lexiva) is an oral tablet or suspension that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It's typically taken twice daily, usually in combination with a "booster," like ritonavir (Norvir), to help fosamprenavir (Lexiva) work better against the virus. Fosamprenavir (Lexiva) isn't a first-choice option for HIV anymore because it can cause serious side effects (e.g., rash, diarrhea, and nausea) and can interact with many other medications.

Indications for Lexiva

Treatment of HIV infection

Pros and Cons for Lexiva

Pros

Available in a liquid form for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
Can be used in children age 4 weeks and older
Tablets can be taken with or without food

Cons

Interacts with many medications
Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver is healthy
Likely to cause high blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Common Side Effects for Lexiva

Diarrhea (5-13%)
Higher levels of fats in the body (up to 11%)
Higher liver labs (6-8%)
Rash (3-8%)
Nausea (3-7%)

Please note: The side effects above include those reported by people who also took ritonavir (Norvir) with fosamprenavir (Lexiva) during clinical trials.

Warnings for Lexiva

Interactions with other medications
Severe skin and allergic reactions
Liver problems
High blood sugar
Overactive immune system
Changes in body fat
Higher cholesterol levels
Risk of bleeding
Risk of kidney stone

Summary for Crixivan

Discontinued

Crixivan (indinavir) was one of the first HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medications approved by the FDA. Due to side effects and medication interactions, it has not been a first choice treatment option for many years and has been discontinued in the U.S.