Invirase Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects of Invirase include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, it is difficult to determine if these side effects are due to Invirase or other factors, because no clinical studies have been done on Invirase by itself. You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience more serious Invirase side effects, such as unexplained bleeding, signs of liver damage, or allergic reactions.

Invirase Drug Information

Invirase Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Invirase^® (saquinavir mesylate). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Invirase. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Invirase side effects with you.)

Common Invirase Side Effects

Clinical studies have not evaluated Invirase alone for the treatment of HIV, because it is meant to be used along with other HIV medications. In fact, the information that is available on potential side effects involves studies that used Invirase plus ritonavir (Norvir^®). Therefore, it is difficult to know if these side effects are due to Invirase or to ritonavir.

In these studies, the most common side effects of Invirase (plus ritonavir) included:

Nausea -- in up to 10.8 percent of people
Diarrhea -- up to 8.1 percent
Vomiting -- up to 7.4 percent
Fatigue -- up to 6.1 percent
Abdominal pain (stomach pain) -- up to 6.1 percent
Pneumonia -- up to 5.4 percent.

Other common side effects (occurring in 2 to 4 percent of people) included:

Constipation
Fever
Back pain
Bronchitis
The flu
Sinus infections
Dry skin or dry lips
Eczema.

(Invirase Side Effects Continued: Page 2)