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Compare Viracept vs. Crixivan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Nelfinavir (Viracept) and indinavir (Crixivan) are both protease inhibitors used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Both medications belong to the same drug class and work by stopping the HIV virus from making copies of itself. However, nelfinavir is still available and prescribed, while indinavir has been discontinued in the U.S. due to side effects and medication interactions. Nelfinavir is taken orally, typically two to three times a day with meals, and is available in tablet and oral powder forms. Indinavir was also taken orally but is no longer available in any form. Nelfinavir can cause side effects like diarrhea and nausea, and it interacts with many other medications, which can affect how well it works. Indinavir, on the other hand, was discontinued partly because of its side effects and interactions, making it less favorable compared to newer HIV treatments.

  • Viracept (nelfinavir)
    Crixivan (indinavir)
  • Viracept (nelfinavir)
    Crixivan (indinavir)

  • Summary of Viracept vs. Crixivan

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Viracept (nelfinavir) is a protease inhibitor (PI) used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in people ages 2 years and older. It works by preventing the HIV virus from making copies of itself and spreading. You take Viracept (nelfinavir) by mouth, typically twice or three times a day with a meal. One of the most common side effects Viracept (nelfinavir) can cause is diarrhea. Your provider might recommend over-the-counter medications, like loperamide (Imodium A-D), to help ease your symptoms.

    Summary for HIV ARV

    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.

  • Indications of Viracept vs. Crixivan

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV
    Indications for

  • Pros and Cons of Viracept vs. Crixivan

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Tablets can be dissolved in water
    •Can be used in children as young as 2 years old
    •Not a whole lot of side effects
    Cons
    •Taken multiple times a day
    •One day's dose can be as many as 10 tablets
    •A lot of medication interactions, including some other HIV ARVs
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Viracept vs. Crixivan

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults and adolescents ages 13 years and older:

    •Diarrhea (up to 20%)
    •Nausea (up to 7%)

    Children ages 2 to 12 years old:

    •Diarrhea (up to 47%)
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Viracept vs. Crixivan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drug interactions
    •Diabetes
    •Fat redistribution
    •Immune reconstitution syndrome
    •Not for people with liver problems
    •Caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - Oral powder only
    Common Side Effects for

  • Prices with our coupons for Viracept vs. Crixivan

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