Saquinavir belongs to a class of drugs called protease (pronounced PRO-tee-ase) inhibitors. It interferes with a different
step in virus reproduction than other drugs previously available to fight HIV. Saquinavir is an antiretroviral medication that
slows down the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and may therefore slow the progression of HIV
disease. Saquinavir does not cure HIV nor does it prevent HIV transmission. As the effect of saquinavir may decrease
with time, it is important that your progress is assessed regularly. It is not currently known how long the beneficial effects of this medication will last.
HOW should this drug be taken ?
Saquinavir comes in 2 different forms:
- 200 mg green & yellow hard-gel capsule (Invirase)
- 200 mg beige, opaque soft-gel capsule (Fortovase)
The number of pills you need to take will depend upon which form of the drug you receive.
For the green & yellow hard-gel capsules (Invirase?), the recommended dose of saquinavir is 3 capsules (600 mg) every
eight hours (for a total of 9 capsules each day), taken anytime within 2 hours of having eaten a meal or a substantial
snack. For example, if you've eaten lunch at 1:00 PM, you can take your mid-day dose with that meal, or anytime between 1:00 and 3:00 PM.
For the beige, opaque soft-gel capsules (Fortovase?), the recommended dose of saquinavir is 6 capsules (1200 mg) three
times a day (for a total of 18 capsules each day), taken anytime within 2 hours of having eaten a meal or substantial snack.
The dosage of saquinavir may also be adjusted depending on other medications you may be taking.
Your dosage of saquinavir is:
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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SAQUINAVIR MAY DEPEND ON TAKING IT WITH FOOD. Capsules should be swallowed
unchewed, with water or some other non-alcoholic drink. You should avoid excessive consumption of alcohol during your
treatment. Your doctor may prescribe saquinavir in combination with other drugs which are used to control HIV infection.
Your physician may adjust the recommended dose to suit your particular needs. FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF YOUR DOCTOR.
What should you do if you FORGET a dose ?
The missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember, then just carry on with your regular dosing schedule.
However, do not take 2 doses at the same time. If you are unsure what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause? What should you do about them?
Most side effects reported with saquinavir are mild, and may include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache,
fatigue, and vomiting. If these effects occur and are bothersome, please call the clinic or discuss them at your next visit.
Regular blood tests to detect any abnormalities with your liver, pancreas, or blood will be done.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR REGULAR DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug?
This medication can interact with other drugs. Do not take rifampin or rifabutin while you are taking saquinavir. It is
important that your physician or pharmacist knows about other drugs you are taking, even medications you can buy without a prescription.
The safety of saquinavir has not been established during pregnancy or breast feeding. Please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist if this is a concern.
How should this medication be STORED?
Saquinavir should be stored in a cool (15-30C) dry place well out of the reach of children. Do not store in your bathroom. Heat and moisture may cause the medicine to lose effectiveness.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR PHARMACIST, NURSE, OR PHYSICIAN.
PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.
