Recently diagnosed with HIV? Click here

Saquinavir

invirase.jpg

Saquinavir was the first protease inhibitorA type of anti-HIV drug that works by preventing the production of an enzyme, protease, that HIV needs to replicate. to be commonly combined with low-dose ritonavir to boost drug concentrations and simplify dosing. The combination has been used as a salvage[salvage therapy] A treatment strategy for managing HIV in people who have developed resistance to existing therapies. strategy since the late 1990s. Several studies have shown that between 40 and 70% of people who have failed another protease inhibitor-based regimen can achieve undetectable viral loads after six months’ treatment with a ritonavir-boosted saquinavir-based regimen, although previous exposure to antiretroviralsA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. and levels of drug resistanceHIV which has mutated and is less susceptible to the effects of one or more anti-HIV drugs is said to be resistant., as well as adherence to therapy, play a crucial role in response to treatment.

February 2010 UPDATE

The FDAThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all drugs, biologics, vaccines, and medical devices, including those used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection, AIDS, and AIDS-related opportunistic infections. The FDA also works with the blood banking industry to safeguard the nation's blood supply. The Australian equivalent is the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). has notified healthcare professionals and patients that it is reviewing clinical trialA clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase I tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase II expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase III expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IV takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. data about a potentially serious effect on the heart from the use of Invirase (saquinavir) in combination with Norvir (ritonavir).

Details: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm201563.htm

Generic name: saquinavir (SQV)
Pronunciation:Suck-WIN-aveer
Brand name:Invirase
Also known as:Fortovase
Ro 31-8959
Drug class:protease inhibitor
Availability in Australia:
  • Available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) through S100 prescribers.
  • This drug may be available through clinical trials in Australia.
  • You may be able to import this drug from overseas for your personal use.
Presentation:200mg hard gel capsules; 500mg tablets
What the treatment guidelines say:Unboosted saquinavir is not recommended.
Links:

Like most anti-HIV drugs, saquinavir must be taken in combination with other drugs to be completely effective. Commonly, saquinavir is combined with two nucleoside (NRTI) drugs, although other combinations are sometimes used. Your doctor will advise you on the right combination of drugs to suit your circumstances.

Dosage

The normal dose is two 500mg tablets with 100mg ritonavir twice a day

Regardless of what you read on this website or elsewhere, you should always take your medications according to your doctor's instructions. If you're unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

With or without food?

Saquinavir should be taken with food.

Side effects

All drugs can produce side effects in some people. These may be mild, moderate or severe, so you should be aware of potential side effects before starting any drug, and speak to your doctor if you experience side effects that concern you.

  • Common side effects may include nausea (upset stomach, feeling sick to the stomach), diarrhoea, headache, abdominal discomfort.
  • Less common side effects may include increased levels of blood sugar, increases in cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats).
  • Rare side effects may include lipodystrophy, diabetes, increased bleeding in haemophiliacs.

    • It's unlikely you will experience all of these side effects, and you may not experience any side effects at all. Before starting any new drug, ask your doctor about side effects you might experience and discuss strategies for dealing with side effects if they do occur. If you experience any significant side effect you should continue taking your medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Interactions with other drugs

Do not combine Saquinavir with Tipranavir/ritonavir. These interactions can change the amount of each drug in your bloodstream and cause an under- or overdose. New interactions are being identified all the time. Drugs to watch out for include other ARVs, drugs to treat tuberculosis, for erectile dysfunction (such as Viagra), for heart rhythm (antiarrhythmics), and for migraine headaches. Interactions are also possible with several antihistamines (allergy medications), sedatives, drugs to lower cholesterol, and anti-fungal drugs. Digitalis levels can be dangerously increased by Saquinavir. Garlic capsules might lower Saquinavir levels. The antacid omeprazole, sold as Prilosec and under other names, can greatly increase Saquinavir levels. Saquinavir does not appear to have any significant interaction with methadone, except that Saquinavir taken with ritonavir can lower methadone levels. Watch for signs of excessive sedation if you take saquinavir with buprenorphine. Some birth control pills may not work if you are taking saquinavir. Grapefruit juice increases saquinavir levels. Avoid drinking it when taking saquinavir, especially if saquinavir is being boosted with ritonavir. The herb St. John's Wort lowers the blood levels of some protease inhibitors. Do not take it with saquinavir.
AttachmentSizeType
rocinvir10906.pdf37.62 KBrocinvir10906.pdfPDF

Saquinavir warning

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 2 December 2010

The US Food and Drug AdministrationThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness(Of a drug or treatment). The maximum ability of a drug or treatment to produce a result regardless of dosage. A drug passes efficacy trials if it is effective at the dose tested and against the illness for which it is prescribed. In the standard procedure, Phase II clinical trials gauge efficacy, and Phase III trials confirm it. of all drugs, biologics, vaccines, and medical devices, including those used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection, AIDS, and AIDS-related opportunistic infections. The FDAThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all drugs, biologics, vaccines, and medical devices, including those used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection, AIDS, and AIDS-related opportunistic infections. The FDA also works with the blood banking industry to safeguard the nation's blood supply. The Australian equivalent is the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). also works with the blood banking industry to safeguard the nation's blood supply. The Australian equivalent is the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA[Therapeutic Goods Administration] The federal government body that approves drugs and treatments before they can be prescribed.). and the European Medicines Agency have strengthened their warnings to doctors and patients about the potential of the HIV protease inhibitorA type of anti-HIV drug that works by preventing the production of an enzyme, protease, that HIV needs to replicate. saquinavir (Invirase) to cause disturbances in electrical activity in the heart leading to abnormal heart rhythm when the drug is combined with a boosting dose of ritonavir (Norvir). read more »

FTC approved, ddC to be withdrawn

Positive Living article • Paul Kidd • 19 May 2005

A new antiretroviralA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. medication, FTC (emtricitabine, Emtriva) was listed on the PBS[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs.] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs. and became available for S100 prescription from 1 April. read more »

The power of one

Positive Living article • Paul Kidd • 15 December 2003

We all want simpler treatment regimens with fewer side effects and no meal restrictions, right? Well how does once-a-day treatment sound? As PAUL KIDD reports, it may be closer than you think. read more »

The table below shows all the clinical trials in the database with the keyword saquinavir.

Sorry, no clinical trials database entries were found that matched your request.

Syndicate content
Text size: font smallerfont normalfont larger print-friendly version of this pagePDF version of this pageemail this page to a friend

This Treatments database entry was first published on 1 June 2009 — more than two years ago.

While the content of this treatments database entry was checked for accuracy at the time of publication, NAPWA recommends checking to determine whether the information is the most up-to-date available, especially when making decisions which may affect your health.

This article may contain medical information. NAPWA makes every reasonable effort to ensure the information on this website is accurate, reliable and up-to-date, including obtaining technical reviews by medically-qualified reviewers, however the authors of information on this website are not qualified to give medical advice, except where explicitly stated.

The content of this website is intended to support, not replace, the relationship between people living with HIV/AIDS and their medical advisers, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.

HIV Clinical Trials update

Recently updated entries from the NAPWA Clinical Trials database.

more