Invirase

Generic name:saquinavir [ sa-KWIN-a-veer ]
Drug class:Protease inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jul 2, 2021.

What is Invirase?

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

Invirase is used together with ritonavir to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Invirase is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Warnings

You should not take Invirase 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.

Invirase must be taken together with another medicine called ritonavir.

Many drugs can interact with saquinavir, and some drugs should not be used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Invirase.

Invirase 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.

Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Invirase if you are allergic to saquinavir, 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 Invirase and ritonavir with certain other medicines. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

• other HIV medicines - atazanavir, rilpivirine;

• alfuzosin;

• oral midazolam, or triazolam;

• sildenafil (Revatio, for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension);

• tacrolimus;

• antidepressant or anti-psychotic medicine - chl...