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Saquinavir
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Saquinavir

Generic name: saquinavir [ sa-KWIN-a-veer ]
Brand names: Invirase, Fortovase
Dosage form: oral tablet (mesylate 500 mg)
Drug class:Protease inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 2, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is saquinavir?

Saquinavir is an antiviral medicine that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Saquinavir is used together with ritonavir to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Neither saquinavir nor ritonavir will cure HIV or AIDS.

Saquinavir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not take saquinavir if you have certain serious heart problems, severe liver disease, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, or if you have taken rilpivirine in the past 2 weeks.

Saquinavir must be taken together with another medicine called ritonavir.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

Saquinavir can cause serious heart rhythm problems. Call your doctor at once if you have fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take saquinavir if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • a serious heart condition called "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);

  • long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

  • severe liver disease;

  • low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood;

  • if you also take medicine that contains cobicistat; or

  • if you have taken rilpivirine in the past 2 weeks.

Life-threatening side effects may occur if you take saquinavir and ritonavir with certain other medicines. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

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