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Lexiva is an anti-HIV drug that falls under Protease Inhibitors (PIs) category of HIV medicines. Developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Glaxo SmithKline, Lexiva was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 20, 2003. Lexiva must be used in combination with at least two other anti-HIV drugs. HIV-positive people, who have used HIV medicines earlier, should also include low doses of Norvir with Lexiva to boost the amount of Lexiva in the bloodstream. In this way, the drug becomes more effective.

Lexiva is a Pro-drug of Agenerase (amprenavir). It is the type of drug that needs to be broken down inside the body before it can become active. It. That increases the amount of drug in the blood, while at the same time, the number of pills that must be taken everyday comes down. Lexiva is a more preferred form of amprenavir, than the Agenerase, as it is easier to take and has fewer side effects than Agenerase.

Lexiva has three different doses that the FDA has approved. Those can be taken with or without food. The doses are as below:

two 700 mg tablets twice daily
two 700 mg tablets in combination with two 100 mg capsules of Norvir once daily, or
one 700 mg tablet in combination with one 100 mg capsule of Norvir twice daily

The third dose is for the HIV-positive people who have taken other Protease Inhibitors in the past. There is also a liquid version of Lexiva that has been approved by FDA in June 2007.

Lexiva can interact with other medicines. Therefore while consulting your physician, tell about all the medicines you are taking. There are a few medicines that can`t be taken while taking this drug for the HIV patients.

There might be some side effects of Lexiva as well. Rash, appetite loss, headaches, feeling crummy, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are common side effects that start decreasing within a few weeks/months of starting Lexiva. It can also increase fat levels in the blood. It can also cause abnormal body-shape changes.

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