Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
BRAND NAME: Invirase (Fortovase has been discontinued)
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Saquinavir is an oral medication that is used for treating infections with the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors which also includes indinavir
(Crixivan),
nelfinavir (Viracept) and ritonavir (Norvir). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the
body's cells. Viruses are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner, HIV
infection is perpetuated among new cells that the body produces continually. During the production of the viruses, new proteins are
made. Some of the proteins are structural proteins, that, is, proteins that form the body of the virus. Other proteins are enzymes which
manufacture DNA and other components for the new viruses. Protease is the enzyme that forms the new structural proteins and
enzymes. Saquinavir blocks the activity of protease and results in the formation of defective viruses that are unable to infect the body's
cells. As a result, the number of viruses in the body (the viral load) decreases. Nevertheless, saquinavir does not prevent the
transmission of HIV among individuals, and it does not cure HIV infections or AIDS. Saquinavir was approved by the FDA in December 1995.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 500 mg; Capsules: 200 mg
STORAGE:
Store Invirase capsules at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Saquinavir must be administered with ritonavir. The recommended dose is 1000 mg twice daily within 2 hours of a meal.
DOSING: The recommended dose of Invirase for adults is 600 mg three times daily. Invirase should be administered within 2 hours of a meal.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Saquinavir interacts with many drugs. Some of the important interactions are mentioned
below. Viewers should consult their health care provider before combining any drugs with saquinavir.
Saquinavir should not be used together with
triazolam (Halcion),
midazolam (Versed),
sildenafil (Viagra) and ergotamine derivatives (for
example, Ergostat) because saquinavir increases the concentration of these drugs in the body and this could cause serious side effects.
Saquinavir also may inhibit the break-down of the
cholesterol-lowering drugs lovastatin
(Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and cerivastatin (Baycol). Combining saquinavir with these drugs may increase the occurrence of muscle breakdown
(rhabdomyolysis) which is seen when these drugs accumulate in the body.
Clarithromycin (Biaxin) and ketoconazole (Nizoral) may increase blood
concentrations of saquinavir and cause increased severity or frequency of side effects from saquinavir. Saquinavir also increases the concentration of clarithromycin.
Rifampin (Rifadin) and
rifabutin (Mycobutin) decrease
blood concentrations of saquinavir and therefore could decrease the
effectiveness of saquinavir.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with a break in the skin or tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes.
What is the history of HIV, and when was HIV discovered?
The history of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) dates back to 1981, when
homosexual men with symptoms of a disease that now are considered typical of AIDS were first described in Los Angeles and New York. The men had an unusual type of lung infection (pneumonia) called
Pneumocystis carinii (now known as
Pneumocystis jiroveci)
pneumonia (PCP) and rare skin tumors called Kaposi's sarcomas. The patients were
noted to have a severe reduction in a type of cell in the blood (CD4 cells) that is an
important part of the immune system. These cells, often referred to as
T cells, help
the body fight infections. Shortly thereafter, this disease was recognized
throughout the United States, Western Europe, and Africa. In 1983, researchers
in the United States and France described the virus that causes AIDS, now known
as HIV, belonging to t...
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