Invirase

What is it?

An anti-HIV preparation which is a protease inhibitor, blocking the action of HIV protease enzyme and hindering the production of mature HIV particles. Available as green/ brown capsules containing 200mg of saquinavir as mesylate, marked ROCHE 0245.

Medical Uses

HIV-1 infections, in combination with antiretrowirql agents.

Dosage

Adults, 600mg 3 times each day within 2 hours following a meal. Special cure: pregnancy, elderly patients, serious kidney or liver disease, malabsorption disorders, previous infection with hepatitis B or C, chronic alcoholism, diarrhoea. In conditions which might affect the availability of the drug to the patient, the risk of under-dosing should be assessed.

Avoid Use

Children, breastfeeding.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Carbamazepine, dapsone, delavirdine, rifampicin, triazolam, sildenafil, phenytoin, pimozide, rifabutin, ritonavir, terfenadine, efsvirenz, phenobarbitone, indinavir, dexamethasone, nelfinavir, tacrolimus, cisqpride, midazolam, azole antifungal drugs, calcium antagonists, astemizole, St John's Wort.

Known Side Effects

Insulin resistance and diabetes, itching, weakness, dizziness, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in peripheral nerves), numbness/ tinglingl'pins and needles' in fingers and toes, fever, gastrointestinal upset, headache, rash, abnormal kidney function, abdominal pains and pains in muscles and joints, dizziness, raised blood lipid levels, abnormal pattern of fat metabolism/deposition.