Saquinavir is used together with ritonavir and other drugs to treat HIV infection. It does not eradicate the virus but it does help reduce the risk of the infection evolving into acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It also reduces intolerable complications such as infections or tumors. Saquinavir can be used in combination with other drugs to help prevent infection in people coming into contact with the virus.
What is Saquinavir?
Saquinavir inhibits the activity of enzymes known as proteases, thus helping HIV levels in the blood to be reduced.
How should Saquinavir be taken?
Saquinavir is consumed orally in the form of capsules or tablets. Two doses per day are typically recommended and they must be taken within two hours after a main meal.
Side effects associated with Saquinavir
Possible side effects of Saquinavir include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Stomachache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Backache
- Dry skin or dry lips
- Fever
Contact a doctor immediately if taking Saquinavir triggers:
- Rash
- Itching
- Blistering or peeling of the skin
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Extreme tiredness
- Lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper right area of the abdomen
- Dizziness
- Feeling of light-headedness
- Fainting
- Slow heart rate, irregular or heavy
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Saquinavir
When taking Saquinavir, it is advised to ask your doctor about the risks associated with the simultaneous consumption of grapefruit and its juice. Also remember that Saquinavir may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
Before taking this drug, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or other drugs
- If you are taking other medicines, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: alfusozin, cisapride, ergot alkaloid, antiarrhythmic, lavastatina, midazolam (orally), pimozide, rifampin, sildenafil (for pulmonary diseases), simvastatin, trazodone and triazolam but also anticoagulants, antifungals, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, bosentan, calcium antagonists, clarithromycin, colchicine, dapsone, dexamethasone, digoxin, disopyramide, erythromycin, fentanyl, fluticasone, certain immunosuppressive drugs, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, HIV or AIDS medications, psychiatric drugs, anti-emetics, anticonvulsants, methadone, omeprazole, pentamidine, tadalafil, vardenafil, rifabutin, tricyclic antidepressants, St. John's wort and supplements based on garlic.
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from liver disease, prolonged QT interval, low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood, complete atrioventricular block, arrhythmias, diabetes (even in case of family history of diabetes), high cholesterol or high triglycerides, hemophilia, heart disease or alcohol abuse problems
- If you suffer from an ongoing infection
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is also important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Saquinavir.
