INVIRASE (saquinavir mesylate)

Invirase Information

Invirase is a drug also called as saquinavir mesylate.

Invirase Indications

Invirase is an inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus or HIV protease. Invirase could also be used in other purposes not mentioned here.

Invirase Warnings

Talk to your doctor first before taking Invirase if you have clinically significant hypersensitivity to saquinavir or to any of its ingredients. Also, inform your doctor if you have liver disease, severe renal impairment, hemophilia A and B, and others. If you have the said conditions, your doctor may not allow you to take Invirase, or adjust your dose. Some conditions other than those mentioned here may also result to undesirable effects when you take Invirase while having this conditions. Talk to your doctor about this.

It is not known whether Invirase could cause harm to an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor first before taking Invirase if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during the treatment.

It is not known whether Invirase passes into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing infant. Talk to your doctor first before taking Invirase if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Invirase Intake Guidelines

If you are treating HIV infection, Invirase is used together with ritonavir and other antiretroviral. Follow the exact direction given to you by your doctor in taking Invirase to get the most benefit. In case you did not understand the instructions, do not hesitate to ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you. It is advisable to take Invirase two hours after a full meal when it is administered with ritonavir. Taking Invirase without food may result to no antiviral activity. It is not good to suddenly stop taking Invirase without talking to your doctor first.

Invirase Dosage

You may obtain the dose of Invirase from your doctor. Follow the exact dose given by your doctor. Do not change the dose given to you unless you are told by your doctor to do so.

Invirase Overdose

In case you suspect an overdose of Invirase, contact your doctor immediately. One of the symptoms of overdose with Invirase is pain in the throat. You may ask your doctor for other symptoms of overdose with Invirase.

Invirase Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose of Invirase, take the next dose in the soonest possible time. Avoid taking a double dose of Invirase unless told by your doctor to do so.

Invirase Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects of Invirase are nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Some other side effects of Invirase alone or in combination with zidovudine are asthenia, dizziness, Dyspepsia, buccal mucosa ulceration, abdominal pain, diarrhea, pruritus, peripheral neuropathy, abdominal discomfort, headache, appetite disturbances, extremity numbness, mucosa damage, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, nausea, paresthesia, and rash.

Some of the rare serious side effects of Invirase are seizures; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; confusion, ataxia, and weakness; hemolytic anemia; acute myeloblastic leukemia; isolated elevation of transaminases; suicide attempts; nephrolithiasis; thrombophlebitis; bullous skin eruption and polyarthritis; headache; pancreatitis leading to death; thrombocytopenia; drug fever; thrombocytopenia and intracranial hemorrhage leading to death; peripheral vasoconstriction; portal hypertension; and intestinal obstruction.

Look for emergency medical attention or contact our doctor immediately if you experience any of the said side effects. Side effects other than those mentioned here may also occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or bothersome side effects.

Invirase Drug Reactions

Some of the drugs that could affect Invirase are a ntiarrhythmics, antihistamines, ergot derivatives, antimycobacterial agents, GI motility agent, neuroleptics, sedatives or hypnotics, and garlic capsules. Talk to your doctor first before taking Invirase if you are taking any of the said drugs. Other drugs not mentioned here may also affect Invirase. Talk to your doctor first before taking any other prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.