Saquinavir (By mouth)
sa-KWIN-a-vir
Treats HIV infection. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.
Drug classes
Antiretroviral Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Saquinavir is used in combination with ritonavir (Norvir®) and other medicines for the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Saquinavir will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. It helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease from occurring. Saquinavir will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have other problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine should always be taken together with ritonavir. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed at the right time of the day. This will make your medicines work better.
Take this medicine within 2 hours after a meal.
Capsule: If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and pour the contents into an empty container. Add either 15 mL (about 1/2 ounce) of sugar syrup or sorbitol syrup or 3 teaspoons of jam to the container. Stir for 30 to 60 seconds. Let the mixture come to room temperature. Eat the entire mixture to make sure you get the full dose.
Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine if you also using alfuzosin, cisapride, lovastatin, oral midazolam, pimozide, rifampin, sildenafil, simvastatin, trazodone, triazolam, medicine for heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, bepridil, dofetilide, flecainide, lidocaine, propafenone, quinidine), or an ergotamine medicine (including dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine).
Many other drugs can interact with saquinavir. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to saquinavir, or if you have heart rhythm problems (such as long QT syndrome).
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have liver disease (including hepatitis), diabetes, high cholesterol, or hemophilia. Tell your doctor about all heart conditions you have, including heart failure, heart block, or heart rhythm problems. Also tell your doctor if you are lactose intolerant or drink alcohol.
Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Changes in heart rhythm, such as PR or QT prolongation High cholesterol or triglycerides High blood sugar levels, a problem that could become permanentYour immune system may get stronger when you start taking an HIV medicine. Infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, might start to have symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat; chest pain
Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate, unusual weight loss
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild diarrhea, nausea
Tiredness
Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Invirase
There may be other brand names for this medicine.