Warning: the guide is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and expertise & judgment of your pharmacist. it shouldn't be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe or effective for you. Consult some your physician before using this drug.

Saquinavir oral softgel capsules

(sah-kwin-uh-veer)

common brand names: Fortovase

Fortovase Usage: it is a protease inhibitor type about antiviral medication used to treat people immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV).

How to use Fortovase: Take this by mouth exactly as directed usually 5 times a day. this is best taken with food or within two hours after a meal. Follow your dosing instructions closely. this medication is given in combination with other antiviral meds (e.g., zidovudine & lamivudine) for best results. do not substitute different brands of this medication unless directed by your pharmacist. It's critical to take this drug every day exactly as prescribed. do not interrupt treatment unless directed to do so by your pharmacist.

Fortovase side effects: Nausea, stomach upset, muscle or joint pain, cough or diarrhea may occur. If these symptoms continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: confusion, loss of coordination. severe weakness, depression, skin rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, hearing or vision difficulty, fever, chills, increased urination, thirst, unusual fatigue, persistent sore throat, yellowing about eyes or skin. Changes in body fat may occur while you taking this tablet (e.g., increased fat in upper back & stomach areas, decreased fat in arms & legs). the cause and long-term effects of these changes unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with some your doctor, as well as possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Fortovase Precautions: Before taking this, tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, diabetes, blood disorders, any allergies. it may make you more sensitive to the sun than usual. Avoid sun exposure. Use sunscreen & wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell you're healthcare professional if you are pregnant before using this med. it is not known if it pill is excreted into breast milk. HIV infected mom advised to avoid breast-feeding in order to protect the infant from becoming infected with HIV.

Fortovase med interactions: this pill should not be used with following medications because very serious interactions may occur: terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, triazolam, midazolam, ergot alkaloids & derivatives (e.g., ergotamine), cholesterol-lowering tablets (e.g., statins such as lovastatin, simvastatin), St. John's wort, rifamycins (e.g., rifabutin, rifampin). If you are currently using any of these meds, tell your healthcare professional or healthcare professional before starting saquinavir. Before using this drug, tell you're physician or doctor of every prescription & nonprescription products you may use, especially of: insulin, anti-diabetic medications, phenobarbital, phenytoin, dexamethasone, carbamazepine, calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine), clindamycin, dapsone, quinidine, nelfinavir, indinavir, ritonavir, delavirdine, nevirapine, sildenafil, clarithromycin, ketoconazole. it med may interfere with effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Fortovase Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact some your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms about overdose may include pain in throat.

Fortovase special notes: it medication is not a cure for HIV infection. long term effects are unknown at this time. Be aware that this medication does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Keep every doctor appointments & scheduled laboratory tests as your condition will be monitored closely. it is a potent medication and must not be shared.

If you missed Fortovase dose: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If It's within two hours of next dose, skip the missed dose & resume your usual dosing schedule. this is important not to miss doses of this drug.

Fortovase Storage: Refrigerated at 36 to 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C) keeps the medicine stable until expiration date noted on container. once brought to room temperature that does not exceed 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), medication should be used within 3 months

Active Ingredients : Saquinavir