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Saquinavir

Generic name: saquinavir [ sa-KWIN-a-veer ]
Brand names: Invirase, Fortovase
Dosage form: oral tablet (mesylate 500 mg)
Drug class: Protease inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 23, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is saquinavir?

Saquinavir is an antiviral medicine that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Saquinavir is used together with ritonavir to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Neither saquinavir nor ritonavir will cure HIV or AIDS.

Saquinavir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Saquinavir side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Saquinavir may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Saquinavir affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken saquinavir). Tell your doctor if you have:

Common side effects of saquinavir may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not take saquinavir if you have certain serious heart problems, severe liver disease, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, or if you have taken rilpivirine in the past 2 weeks.

Saquinavir must be taken together with another medicine called ritonavir.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

Saquinavir can cause serious heart rhythm problems. Call your doctor at once if you have fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take saquinavir if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Life-threatening side effects may occur if you take saquinavir and ritonavir with certain other medicines. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

To prevent HIV in a newborn baby, use all medications to control your infection during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry.

Saquinavir can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about other birth control options such as an injection, implant, skin patch, vaginal ring, condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.

Women with HIV should not breastfeed. The virus can pass to your baby in your breast milk.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.

How should I take saquinavir?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Saquinavir must be taken together with ritonavir and it should not be used alone.

Take your medicine with food or within 2 hours after eating a full meal. Take the medicine at the same times each day.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Use all HIV medications as directed. Do not change your dose or stop using a medicine without your doctor's advice. Remain under the care of a doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Skipping doses may increase the risk of your virus becoming resistant to antiviral medicine.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking saquinavir?

Using saquinavir will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Ask your doctor how to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe.

What other drugs will affect saquinavir?

Many drugs can affect saquinavir, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.