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Invirase / Saquinavir
Why is Invirase / Saquinavir prescribed?
Invirase / Saquinavir is used in combination with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Invirase / Saquinavir is in a class of antiviral medications called protease inhibitors. It works by slowing the spread of HIV in the body. Invirase / Saquinavir does not cure HIV and may not prevent you from developing HIV-related illnesses. Invirase / Saquinavir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
How should Invirase / Saquinavir be used?
Invirase / 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 Invirase / Saquinavir at around the same times every day. It may be easier to remember to take Invirase / 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 Invirase / 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 Invirase / Saquinavir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Invirase / Saquinavir without talking to your doctor. If you miss doses, take less than the prescribed dose or stop taking Invirase / Saquinavir, your condition may become more difficult to treat.
Other uses for Invirase / Saquinavir:
Invirase / 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.
Invirase / Saquinavir may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow while using Invirase / Saquinavir?
Before taking Invirase / Saquinavir:
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tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Invirase / Saquinavir, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Invirase / Saquinavir. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
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do not take astemizole (Hismanal) (no longer available in the United States); cisapride (Propulsid) (no longer available in the United States);ergot medications such as dihydroergotamine (Migranal), ergoloid mesylates (Germinal, Hydergine), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Cafergot, Wigraine), methylergonovine (Methergine), and methysergide (Sansert);medications for irregular heartbeat such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), bepridil (not available in the United States), flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rhythmol), or quinidine (Quinidex); midazolam (Versed); pimozide (Orap); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate); terfenadine (Seldane) (no longer available in the United States);or triazolam (Halcion)while taking saquinavir.
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tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend); aprepitant (Emend); benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clorazepate (ClorazeCaps, Tranxene, others), diazepam (Valium), and flurazepam (Dalmane);buspirone (BuSpar); calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others), felodipine (Plendil), isradipine (DynaCirc), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), nimodipine (Nimotop), nisoldipine (Sular), and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Advicor, Altocor, Mevacor), and simvastatin (Zocor); chlorpheniramine (antihistamine in over-the-counter cough and cold medications); cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac); clindamycin (Cleocin);dapsone (Avlosulfon); dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone);disopyramide (Norpace); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); fentanyl (Duragesic); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem); fluvoxamine (Luvox); griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, Gris-PEG); haloperidol (Haldol); hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, rings, and patches); immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), tacrolimus (Protopic), or rapamycin (sirolimus, Rapamune); insulin or oral medications for diabetes; isoniazid (INH, Nydrazid); medications to treat erectile dysfunction such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra); medications to treat HIV or AIDS including atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva), indinavir (Crixivan), lopinavir (in Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), or ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra); medications to treat seizures such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), and phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); methadone (Dolophine, Methadose); nefazodone;phenylbutazone (Azolid, Butazolidin, others) (no longer available in the United States);propranolol (Inderal, in Inderide); quinine; ranitidine (Zantac);rifabutin (Mycobutin); sertraline (Zoloft);tamoxifen (Nolvadex); trazodone; tricyclic antidepressants including amitriptyline (in Limbitrol), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), others; troleandomycin (TAO); vincristine; and zafirlukast (Accolate) . Other medications may interact with Invirase / Saquinavir, so be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
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tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking or plan to take, especially St. John's wort and garlic capsules.
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tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, if you have ever taken any form of Invirase / Saquinavir in the past, and if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had diabetes. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high cholesterol or triglycerides (fats in the blood); hemophilia (a bleeding disorder); or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
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tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Invirase / Saquinavir, call your doctor . You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or are taking Invirase / Saquinavir.
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if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Invirase / Saquinavir.
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you should be aware that your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body, such as your upper back, neck ("buffalo hump"), breasts, and around your stomach. You may notice a loss of body fat from your face, legs, and arms.
What special dietary instructions should I follow while using Invirase / Saquinavir?
Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking Invirase / Saquinavir.
What should I do if I forget a dose of Invirase / Saquinavir?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can Invirase / Saquinavir cause?
Invirase / Saquinavir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
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diarrhea
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stomach pain
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upset stomach
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vomiting
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heartburn
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gas or bloating
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constipation
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change in the way food tastes
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increased appetite
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sores in mouth
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headache
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weakness
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tiredness
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dizziness
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anxiety
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depression
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difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
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runny nose
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pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
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warts
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muscle or back pain
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changes in sex drive
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Invirase / Saquinavir may increase the sugar level in your blood. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Invirase / Saquinavir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking Invirase / Saquinavir.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep Invirase / Saquinavir 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.
Symptoms of overdose of Invirase / Saquinavir may include:
What other information should I know about Invirase / Saquinavir?
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 Invirase / Saquinavir.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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