Saquinavir

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat HIV infection. It is usually taken with 2 other medicines.

How does it work?

• Saquinavir stops the HIV virus from increasing. It binds up an enzyme that is needed for reproduction of the virus.

How is it best taken?

• The medicine must be taken exactly as directed.
• Take within 2 hours of a high calorie/high fat meal.
• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• Return to your regular schedule for the next dose.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Do not run out of this medication. Get it refilled today!
• 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, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Protect against sexual spread of disease. Use an effective method of birth control. Talk with healthcare provider if you have questions.
• Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Diarrhea.
• Belly pain, cramps, gas.
• Feeling tired. Use caution in driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store Invirase® in a tight container at room temperature.
• Store Fortovase® in a tight container in the refrigerator. Once at room temperature, Fortovase® is good for 3 months.

General statements

• 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, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved