saquinavir, Invirase (Fortovase - discontinued) (cont.)

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

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.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

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.

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PREGNANCY: Use of saquinavir during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether saquinavir is secreted in breast milk. Nevertheless, HIV-infected mothers should not breast-feed because of the potential risk of transmitting HIV to an infant that is not infected.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent side effects are headache, weakness, diarrhea, nausea and stomach discomfort. Saquinavir also may cause skin reactions, liver failure, seizures and failure of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Like other protease inhibitors, use of saquinavir may be associated with redistribution or accumulation of body fat, increased cholesterol and worsening of diabetes.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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