Saquinavir (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, 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 first with your doctor.

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

Saquinavir capsules or tablets (Invirase®) should always be taken together, at the same time, with ritonavir (Norvir®). Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed at the right time of the day. This will make your medicines work better.

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 blood levels constant, take this medicine at the same time each day and do not miss any doses. 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 doctor.

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

Read and carefully follow the Medication Guide and patient information leaflet before starting saquinavir treatment and each time you get a refill. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine 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 this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For treatment of HIV infection:
  • For oral dosage form (capsules or tablets):
    • Taken in combination with ritonavir (Norvir®):
      • Adults and teenagers 16 years of age and older—1000 milligrams (mg) (5 capsules or 2 tablets) of saquinavir and 100 mg of ritonavir two times per day.
      • Children younger than 16 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Taken in combination with lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra®):
      • Adults and teenagers 16 years of age and older—1000 milligrams (mg) (5 capsules or 2 tablets) of saquinavir and 400 mg of lopinavir plus 100 mg of ritonavir two times per day.
      • Children younger than 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 possible. 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

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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