Saquinavir (Systemic)

Brand Names : Fortovase, Invirase

Proper Use of This Medicine

It is important that this medicine be taken with food in order to work properly. Take saquinavir with a meal or within 2 hours after a meal .

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor . Do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first.

Keep taking saquinavir for the full time of treatment , even if you begin to feel better.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times, day and night . For example, if you are to take three doses a day, the doses should be spaced about 8 hours apart. If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.

Only take medicine that your doctor has prescribed specially for you. Do not share your medicine with others.

Dosing - The dose of saquinavir will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of saquinavir. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (capsules [brand name Invirase ]):
  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • Adults - 600 milligrams (mg) three times a day, in combination with other medicines for HIV infection.
    • Children up to 16 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For oral dosage form (soft gelatin capsules [brand name Fortovase ]):
  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • Adults - 1200 mg three times a day, in combination with other medicines for HIV infection.
    • Children up to 16 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Store the soft gelatin capsule form ( Fortovase ) in the refrigerator. The Invirase capsules do not need to be refrigerated.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.