Pharm

Saquinavir

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Saquinavir, Invirase

  • See Also
  1. Anti-Retroviral Therapy
  2. Protease Inhibitor
  • Mechanism
  1. Protease Inhibitor
  • Disadvantages
  1. Weak effect
  2. Expensive
  3. May worsen resistance for better drugs
  • Adverse Effects
  1. Rash
  2. Prolonged QT Interval
  3. Hyperprolactinemia (rare)
  • Drug Interactions
  1. Garlic supplements (do not use with Saquinavir)
    1. Reduces Saquinavir concentrations by 50%
    2. Levels may remain reduced even after stopiing Garlic
    3. Piscitelli (2002) Clin Infect Dis 34:234-8 [PubMed]
  • Dosing
  1. Saquinavir 600 mg PO tid ($572/month)
  2. If taken without food, may have no antiviral activity
    1. Take within 2 hours after a full meal
    2. Meals increase absorption and decrease GI upset
  • References
  1. (1998) Med Lett Drugs Ther 40(1041):115 [PubMed]
  2. (2009) Treat Guidel Med Lett 7(78): 11-22 [PubMed]
  3. Reust (2011) Am Fam Physician 83(12): 1443-51 [PubMed]