Saquinavir



Fortovase®[DSC]; Invirase®







Saquinavir

(sa KWIN a veer)

U.S. Brand Names
Fortovase®[DSC]; Invirase®
Canadian Brand Names
Fortovase®; Invirase®
Mexican Brand Names
Invirase®
Pharmacologic Category
Antiretroviral Agent, Protease Inhibitor
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to saquinavir or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have unprotected sun exposure.
  • If you are taking any of these medicines: Astemizole, cisapride, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, lovastatin, methysergide, midazolam, rifampin, simvastatin, terfenadine, or triazolam.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat HIV infection.
How does it work?
  • Saquinavir works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • This medicine is usually taken with at least two other medicines.
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Take this medicine within 2 hours of a high-fat meal.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose, brand, or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Do not run out of this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Do not take St John's wort with this medicine. It may make this medicine less effective.
  • To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy in HIV disease.
  • Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Belly pain or heartburn.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Change in body fat distribution.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store Invirase® at room temperature.
  • Store Fortovase® in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 3 months.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: