Invirase (Saquinavir Mesylate) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Invirase

HIV and AIDS: Antiretroviral Drugs, Treatments and Medications »

Entry Inhibitors (including Fusion Inhibitors) and CCR5 Co-receptor Antagonist

Entry Inhibitors
Entry inhibitors block HIV entry into CD4+ cells.

Fusion inhibitors
The only drug in this class is T-20, which is administered as a twice daily subcutaneous injection. The most common side effect is redness and pain at the site of injection. Rarely, infection can occur at the injection site. There also are reports of generalized allergic reactions.

CCR5 antagonist
Although there were some early concerns of liver inflammation for drugs in this class, MVC appeared to be well tolerated in clinical trials without any specific toxicities attributable to the drug. However, it is a new drug in a new class and the first to actually target the cell. For these reasons, longer follow-up from clinical trials and those followed in the clinic will be very important for assessing the overall safety of the...

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Invirase

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Invirase Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking saquinavir (Invirase)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to saquinavir.

Do not take saquinavir with any of the following medications. They can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking saquinavir:

amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone);
cisapride (Propulsid);
flecainide (Tambocor);
midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion);
pimozide (Orap);
propafenone (Rythmol);
quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute); or
or ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take saquinavir:

liver disease;
diabetes;
a bleeding disorder (hemophilia); or
high cholesterol or triglycerides.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.

Saquinavir can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking saquinavir.

You should not breast-feed while you are using saquinavir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 16 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take saquinavir (Invirase)?

Take saquinavir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Saquinavir should be taken together with another medication called ritonavir (Norvir).

Take saquinavir and ritonavir with food or within 2 hours after eating a full meal.

It is important to use saquinavir regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

To be sure saquinavir is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store saquinavir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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