Invirase is typically prescribed to treat HIV or AIDS. This selection from the eMedTV Web site provides an overview of this medication, including information on how it works, possible side effects, and tips for when and how to take it.
Nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue are among the most common Invirase side effects. This portion of the eMedTV archives outlines other possible side effects of Invirase and describes which ones should be reported to your healthcare provider.
Invirase is approved for use in combination with other medicines to treat HIV and AIDS in adults. This eMedTV page further discusses Invirase uses, including off-label uses and whether it is used in children. This page also covers how Invirase works.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, the recommended Invirase dosage for treating HIV or AIDS in adults is 1000 mg twice daily (along with 100 mg of ritonavir twice daily). This page also provides some tips for when and how to take the medication.
Some of the drugs that may interact with Invirase include birth control pills, digoxin, and warfarin. This eMedTV resource outlines other medicines that may cause Invirase drug interactions and describes the problems these interactions can cause.
Invirase may cause high blood sugar and can make liver problems worse. This segment of the eMedTV library highlights other important information on Invirase warnings and precautions, including a list of those who should not take the medication.
If you take too much Invirase, you should contact your doctor right away. This eMedTV page explains that if you experience an Invirase overdose, a doctor may have to pump your stomach or treat the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose.
In general, it is probably safe to take Invirase during pregnancy. However, as this eMedTV article explains, no animal studies involving Invirase and pregnancy have been done with the combination of ritonavir (which is always taken with Invirase).
Women who are taking Invirase are typically advised to avoid breastfeeding. This page from the eMedTV Web site discusses Invirase and breastfeeding in more detail, and explains why it may be dangerous for women who have HIV to breastfeed.
Patents currently prevent any generic Invirase from being made in the United States. This eMedTV page explains that a generic version could become available in 2010, when the patent expires, and also explains why saquinavir is not a generic Invirase.
