Invirase is a prescription medication that is used alongside ritonavir to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Invirase is an antiviral medication that contains saquinavir and works by decreasing the amount of HIV in your body so that your immune system can work better. Neither Invirase or saquinavir is a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Invirase is taken alongside another medication, ritonavir, and should not be taken alone.
• Take Invirase with food or within two hours of eating a meal.
• Swallow Invirase whole without chewing. If you struggle to swallow this medication whole, sprinkle the contents onto a spoon of jam or sugar syrup. Stir the mixture for a minute and then swallow immediately.
• You may need regular medical tests while taking this medication.
• Take all HIV medications that your doctor has prescribed.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history particularly of heart problems, liver disease, hemophilia, diabetes, low blood levels of magnesium or potassium, long QT syndrome.
• If you have a family history of long QT syndrome.
• If you have alcoholism.
• If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. HIV can be passed to a baby if not treated properly during pregnancy.

You should also know:

• Invirase does not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes or needles and avoid unprotected sex.
• Lots of medications can interact with Invirase and cause life-threatening side effects. Keep a track of all other prescription and over the counter medications that you take and share them with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Saquinavir may make birth control pills less effective. Speak to your doctor about other methods of birth control.
• Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed. HIV can be passed to a baby via breast milk.
• This medication should not be taken by anyone younger than 16.

Common side effects of Invirase include but are not limited to:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Tiredness.
• Stomach pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat.

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of saquinavir.

• Menstrual changes.
• Impotence.
• Speaking problems.
• Balance problems.
• Eye movement problems.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Weakness or a prickly feeling.
• Swelling in your throat or neck.
• Chest pain.
• Cough with mucus.
• Signs of a heart rhythm problem including fast or pounding heartbeat, fluttering in your chest, sudden dizziness, the feeling that you might pass out or shortness of breath.
• Signs of a new infection including fever, diarrhea, weight loss, swollen glands, night swears, cough, wheezing or cold sores.
• Signs of a liver problem including dark urine, clay colored stools, loss of appetite, jaundice, itching or a pain in your upper stomach.
• Signs of high blood sugar levels including headache, blurred vision, increased thirst, increased urination, fruity breath odor or dry mouth.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Invirase?

If you miss a dose of Invirase, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip your missed dose. Refill your prescription before it runs out so that there is no pause in your treatment?

What is the strength of Invirase?

Invirase is available in a strength of 200mg.