Saquinavir

Saquinavir is commonly prescribed to treat HIV and AIDS. It is only approved for use with ritonavir, another medication that increases the effectiveness of saquinavir. The medication comes in the form of a capsule or a tablet and is typically taken twice a day. Although most people tolerate saquinavir well, side effects can include fatigue, diarrhea, and nausea.

 

What Is Saquinavir?

Saquinavir mesylate (Invirase®) is a prescription medication approved to treat HIV and AIDS. It should always be combined with ritonavir (Norvir®), another medication that improves the effectiveness of saquinavir. Saquinavir is only approved for use with ritonavir, plus other HIV or AIDS medications.
 
At one point, Fortovase® (a similar product that also contained saquinavir) was also available. However, this is no longer the case.
 
(Click What Is Saquinavir Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Saquinavir Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with saquinavir. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of saquinavir include but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain).
     
(Click Side Effects of Saquinavir to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
(Saquinavir Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;