Saquinavir - Medical Health Care Library Wiki


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Saquinavir

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IMPORTANT WARNING: Return to top

Roche Pharmaceuticals has announced that Fortovase^® brand saquinavir capsules will no longer be available in the United States by February 15, 2006. This action is not based on any known safety problems with Fortovase, but is being taken because Fortovase is not widely used. If you are taking Fortovase, talk to your doctor about switching to another treatment.

Invirase^® brand hard gelatin capsules and tablets and Fortovase^® brand soft gelatin capsules all contain saquinavir, but can not be substituted for one another.Invirase must be taken with another medication called ritonavir (Norvir), which is called "boosted" therapy. Fortovase may be taken without ritonavir, but it must be taken more often and at a different dose than Invirase. Do not take Fortovase and Invirase at the same time. Take only the brand of saquinavir that was prescribed by your doctor and do not switch to the other brand of saquinavir unless your doctor tells you that you should. Each time you have your prescription filled, look at the brand name printed on your prescription label and at the tablets or capsules inside your bottle to be sure that you have received the right medication. Ask your doctor if you have not yet started taking saquinavir and don't know how your tablets or capsules should look.

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Saquinavir is used in combination with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Saquinavir is in a class of antiviral medications called protease inhibitors. It works by slowing the spread of HIV in the body. Saquinavir does not cure HIV and may not prevent you from developing HIV-related illnesses. Saquinavir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Saquinavir comes as a hard gelatin capsule (Invirase), a tablet (Invirase), and a soft gelatin capsule (Fortovase) to take by mouth. The hard gelatin capsule and tablet are usually taken with ritonavir (Norvir) two times a day with a meal or up to 2 hours after a full meal. The soft gelatin capsule is usually taken three times a day with a meal or up to 2 hours after a meal. Take saquinavir at around the same times every day. It may be easier to remember to take saquinavir if you take it with meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take saquinavir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take saquinavir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking saquinavir without talking to your doctor. If you miss doses, take less than the prescribed dose or stop taking saquinavir, your condition may become more difficult to treat.

Other uses for this medicine Return to top

Saquinavir soft gelatin capsules are also used to help prevent infection in health care workers or other people who were accidentally exposed to HIV. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

throat pain

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your body's response to saquinavir.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names Return to top

Invirase®

Fortovase®

Notes:

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EditText of this page (last edited February 27, 2008)