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Saquinavir

Antiretroviral

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What is saquinavir?

Saquinavir (also called Fortovase®) is used to treat infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This medicine is one of a group called protease inhibitors (PIs). Protease is the part of the virus that allows it to multiply, leave the cell, and move into the blood and body. Saquinavir can slow down how soon you will see symptoms or slow the damage caused by HIV, but it cannot cure HIV infection.

This medicine is available as a 200-mg soft gelatin capsule taken by mouth.

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Possible side effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • High blood sugar levels
  • High blood cholesterol levels

    These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take saquinavir will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • Refrigerate saquinavir when possible. If you store the gelatin capsules at room temperature, they should be used within 3 months.
  • Blood tests can find some side effects, such as high levels of blood sugar or blood cholesterol. It is very important that you come to the clinic regularly for blood tests.
  • Several medicines may affect the way saquinavir works. These medicines include
    • Carbamazepine
    • Garlic
    • Itraconazole
    • Phenytoin
    • Rifampin
    • St. John’s wort
  • Saquinavir may affect the way other medicines work. These medicines include cyclosporine and midazolam.
  • Always tell the doctor if you are taking any of these medicines, or if you start taking any new medicines while you are taking saquinavir.
  • Fortovase® and Invirase® both contain saquinavir, but they are not the exact same medicines. If you are taking one brand of saquinavir, do not switch to the other brand.
  • If you have diabetes or liver problems, tell the doctor before you start taking saquinavir.

Drug at Home:

  • This medicine is usually taken 3 times a day.
  • Take saquinavir with food.
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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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