About SAQUINAVIR
SAQUINAVIR is an antiretroviral medicine used in the treatment of HIV infection. HIV is a retroviral infection that attacks and destroys immune cells. This reduces the body's ability to fight infections and illnesses. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This medicine is used in combination with ritonavir and other antiviral medicines.
SAQUINAVIR contains Saquinavir, which belongs to the class of protease inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the protease enzyme production, which is required for the HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. Therefore, SAQUINAVIR inhibits viral replication.
SAQUINAVIR may cause certain side effects such as nausea, headache, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, fever, tiredness, blood in urine, diarrhea, and itching. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor. SAQUINAVIR should be taken as advised by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine based on your health condition. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
SAQUINAVIR should be avoided if you are allergic to it. This medicine is contraindicated in patients with congenital or documented acquired QT prolongation, AV block, anaphylactic reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, use of SAQUINAVIR with ritonavir in severe hepatic impairment, combination of SAQUINAVIR and ritonavir with CYP3A substrates and rifampicin due to hepatotoxicity as it can cause serious side effects. Hence, avoid using this medicine under such conditions. Inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, diabetes, or immune reconstitution syndrome on priority. SAQUINAVIR should be given to pregnant and breastfeeding women only if recommended by the doctor.
Uses of SAQUINAVIR
HIV Infection.
Medicinal Benefits
SAQUINAVIR contains Saquinavir (protease inhibitor), which works by inhibiting the protease enzyme production required for the HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. This causes inhibition of viral replication. SAQUINAVIR is used alone or in combination with other antiretroviral medicines to help reduce the symptoms, control the infection, and prevent opportunistic infections effectively. It also helps in improving the quality of life of a patient with HIV.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of SAQUINAVIR
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Blood in urine
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth sores
- Tiredness
- Itching
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Avoid taking SAQUINAVIR if you are allergic to it. Caution should be exercised if you have liver/kidney disease, cardiovascular conditions, Congenital Long QT Syndrome, diabetes, hepatitis B infection, and hepatitis C infection. This medicine is contraindicated in patients with congenital or documented acquired QT prolongation, AV block, anaphylactic reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, use of SAQUINAVIR with ritonavir in severe hepatic impairment, combination of SAQUINAVIR and ritonavir with CYP3A substrates and rifampicin due to hepatotoxicity as it can cause serious side effects. Hence, avoid using this medicine under such conditions. SAQUINAVIR should be given to pregnant and breastfeeding women only if recommended by the doctor. This medicine may cause dizziness; hence, avoid driving or operating machines while taking SAQUINAVIR. Children below 16 years of age should take SAQUINAVIR only if prescribed by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: SAQUINAVIR may interact with alpha-adrenergic blockers (prazosin, alfuzosin), gastrointestinal medicine (cisapride), contraceptives (ethynyl estradiol, norethindrone), immunosuppressants (cyclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus), antibiotics (clarithromycin), antiretroviral drugs (efavirenz, nevirapine, indinavir), antidepressant drugs (phenytoin, phenobarbitone, carbamazepine), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiac problems, liver or kidney disease, Congenital Long QT Syndrome, or diabetes.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol intake might increase the risk of stomach or intestine bleeding. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption while receiving SAQUINAVIR to prevent serious side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking SAQUINAVIR. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether saquinavir is excreted in human milk. Mothers should not breastfeed if they are on SAQUINAVIR because of the risk of HIV-1 transmission and major adverse effects in nursing infants.
Driving
unsafeAvoid driving vehicles as it may cause dizziness and affect your ability to drive. Hence, it is advised to drive only when you are alert.
Liver
cautionThere have been instances of worsening liver illness in people with underlying hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, persistent drinking, and/or other underlying liver abnormalities after using SAQUINAVIR. If you have such conditions, inform your doctor before taking SAQUINAVIR.
Kidney
cautionPatients with renal impairment do not require any initial dose adjustments. However, patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have not been examined, and it should be used with caution in place with renal impairment.
Children
unsafeThe use of SAQUINAVIR in children below 16 years old is unclear. Hence, consult your pediatrician. It should be given only upon pediatrician advice for children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as vegetables and fruit as it helps to boost your immune system. Try to take lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
- Eat bland and low-fat foods, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
- Practice safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
- Never share personal items with body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
- Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.
- Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis.
- Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with your family or doing whatever makes you happy.
- Drink more fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration.
Special Advise
- Get an HIV test done at least every three months.
- Regular kidney and liver function and bone mineral density tests while taking SAQUINAVIR are advised.
- Regularly get blood and urine tests done while taking SAQUINAVIR.
- SAQUINAVIR may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with HIV infection or AIDS. So, people taking SAQUINAVIR should be carefully monitored throughout the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV Infection: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retroviral infection that attacks and damages the cells of the immune system. This weakens the ability to fight against infections and diseases. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to Acquired Immuno Deficiency Virus (AIDS). Symptoms of HIV include headache, fever, chills, joint pain, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, mouth nodes, muscle aches, etc. SAQUINAVIR helps reduce the symptoms, control the infection, and also helps improve the HIV patient’s quality of life.