Saquinavir capsules
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What are saquinavir capsules?
SAQUINAVIR (Invirase®, Fortovase®) is an antiviral drug called a protease inhibitor. Saquinavir is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Saquinavir may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. Saquinavir is used in combination with other drugs to treat the HIV virus. You may still develop other infections or conditions associated with HIV. Saquinavir will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. Generic saquinavir capsules are not yet available.
NOTE: In the U.S., the Fortovase® brand of saquinavir will not be available after February 2006. Talk to your health care professional about what other treatment options are available for you.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• diabetes mellitus or high blood sugar
• hemophilia
• high cholesterol levels
• high triglyceride levels
• liver disease, including hepatitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to saquinavir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take saquinavir capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow capsules with a drink of water. Take saquinavir within two hours after a full meal. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
To help to make sure that your anti-HIV therapy works as well as possible, be very careful to take all of your medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with saquinavir?
Do not take saquinavir with the following medicines:
• astemizole (Hismanal®)
• cisapride (Propulsid®)
• dofetilide (Tykosin®)
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methysergide)
• garlic supplements
• lovastatin (Mevacor®)
• midazolam (Versed®)
• red yeast rice
• simvastatin (Zocor®)
• St. John's wort or any herbal products containing St. John's wort
• terfenadine (Seldane®)
• triazolam (Halcion®)
Other medicines that may interact with saquinavir include:
• bosentan
• certain medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping
• carbamazepine
• clarithromycin
• dexamethasone
• doxercalciferol
• grapefruit juice
• ketoconazole
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high cholesterol
• paricalcitol
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• pimozide
• ranitidine
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• sildenafil
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking saquinavir?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional.
Saquinavir will not cure HIV and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking saquinavir does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone.
What side effects may I notice from taking saquinavir?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• severe dizziness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow color of skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• depression
• diarrhea
• stomach or intestinal gas
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain
• tiredness
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at Invirase® at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Store Fortovase® in the refrigerator at 2—8 degrees C (36—42 degrees F); discard after the expiration date on the label. If Fortovase® is kept at room temperature (15—30 degrees C or 59—86 degrees F), discard after 3 months. (NOTE: The Fortovase® brand of saquinavir will not be available after February 2006. Talk to your health care professional about what other treatment options are available for you.)
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
