Compare Indinavir: Alternatives, Side Effects, and What Works Best

When you're managing Indinavir, a protease inhibitor used to treat HIV infection by blocking the virus’s ability to replicate. Also known as Crixivan, it was one of the first drugs to help turn HIV from a death sentence into a manageable condition in the 1990s. But times have changed. Today, newer antiretroviral drugs are simpler, safer, and more effective. So if you're still using Indinavir—or considering it—you need to know how it compares to what’s available now.

Indinavir is a type of protease inhibitor, a class of HIV drugs that stop the virus from cutting proteins into pieces it needs to mature and spread. But it’s not like today’s once-daily pills. Indinavir requires strict timing—every 8 hours—and you have to take it on an empty stomach. That’s hard to stick with long-term. It also comes with serious side effects: kidney stones, nausea, high bilirubin levels, and fat redistribution. Many people stopped taking it not because it didn’t work, but because it was too much to handle.

Modern HIV medications, like Dolutegravir, Bictegravir, and Darunavir. Also known as integrase inhibitors and boosted protease inhibitors, are far more forgiving. They’re taken once a day, often in a single pill. They have fewer side effects, don’t require fasting, and work better at keeping the virus suppressed. Studies show people on these newer drugs are less likely to develop resistance or experience long-term organ damage. Even if Indinavir worked well for you in the past, there’s almost always a better option now.

Why does this matter? Because HIV treatment isn’t just about killing the virus—it’s about living well. You need a regimen that fits your life, not one that controls it. If you’re on Indinavir and dealing with side effects, or if you’re worried about kidney health or drug interactions, you’re not alone. Thousands have switched to simpler regimens and seen real improvements in energy, digestion, and overall quality of life.

Below, you’ll find real comparisons between Indinavir and the most common HIV drugs used today. We cover what each one does, how often you take it, what side effects to watch for, and how much they cost. You’ll also see how newer drugs stack up against older ones like Indinavir in terms of effectiveness, convenience, and long-term safety. This isn’t theory—it’s what people are actually using in 2025. If you’re thinking about switching, or just want to understand your options, these posts give you the facts without the jargon.