Monograph Details

Infections & Infestations > Viral infections
INVIRASE CAPSULES
Manufacturer
Roche Laboratories
Legal Classification
Rx
Pharmacological Class
HIV protease inhibitor.
Generic Name
Saquinavir (as mesylate) 200mg; hard gel caps.
Also
INVIRASE TABLETS
Indications
HIV infection (must use with ritonavir).
Children
<16yrs: not recommended.
Adults
Take within 2 hours after a meal. ≥16yrs: saquinavir 1g twice daily + ritonavir 100mg twice daily (taken at same time).
Contraindications
Severe hepatic impairment. Concomitant amiodarone, bepridil, cisapride, ergots, flecainide, midazolam, pimozide, propafenone, quinidine, rifampin, triazolam. Concomitant lovastatin, simvastatin, St. John's wort, garlic capsules: not recommended.
Precautions
Not bioequivalent to soft gel form of saquinavir; do not interchange. Hepatic impairment. Severe renal impairment. Hemophilia (monitor for spontaneous bleeding). Diabetes. Monitor clinical chemistry, triglycerides, and for hyperglycemia. Elderly. Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers: not recommended.
Interactions
See Contraindications. Plasma levels reduced by efavirenz, nevirapine, rifabutin, possibly other enzyme inducers. Consider alternatives to CYP3A4 inducers (eg, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, dexamethasone): not recommended. Plasma levels increased by clarithromycin (see literature), indinavir, nelfinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, ritonavir, delavirdine, itraconazole, ketoconazole. Antagonizes methadone, oral contraceptives. Potentiates CYP3A4 substrates (eg, calcium channel blockers, atorvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastatin, dapsone, warfarin, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, rapamycin, sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil); monitor their effects; may need reduced doses. Caution with antiarrhythmics (eg, systemic lidocaine), tricyclics, benzodiazepines, fentanyl, nefazodone, others (see literature).
Adverse Reactions
GI disturbances, headache, fatigue, paresthesia, weakness, lab abnormalities, depression, hyperglycemia, diabetes, fat redistribution, rash, pruritus.
Extra Text
Note: Register pregnant patients exposed to saquinavir by calling (800) 258-4263. See Norvir entry in this section for more information on ritonavir.
How Supplied
Caps—270
Tabs—120
Additional Resources
Related Prescribing Note