What is Invirase: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Invirase overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Invirase

Generic Names:

  • Invirase

Uses:

  • Treats HIV infection. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiretroviral Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Liquid Filled Capsule, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Invirase used for?

Invirase is an antiviral medication that is taken orally by patients to manage their symptoms caused by HIV. Depending on the strength of the drug, it can be available as an oral capsule or as an oral tablet. It is usually prescribed to anyone older than 16 years old.

What form(s) does Invirase come in

  • Tablet

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Tablet

What are common Invirase doses?

  • Tablet 500MG

Common Invirase prescriptions

  • Invirase
    200mg capsule

  • Invirase
    500mg tablet

How to take Invirase

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine should always be taken together with ritonavir. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed at the right time. This will help your medicines work better.

  • Take this medicine within 2 hours after a meal.

  • Tablets: Do not crush the tablet.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply of medicine is running low so you do not run out.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

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

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

  • Take this medicine within 2 hours after a meal.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

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

  • Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply of medicine is running low so you do not run out.

  • This medicine should always be taken together with ritonavir. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed at the right time. This will help your medicines work better.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

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

  • Tablets: Do not crush the tablet.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Invirase

Invirase contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to saquinavir.

Invirase warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Your immune system may get stronger when you start using an HIV medicine. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

  • This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease (including hepatitis), diabetes, high cholesterol, or hemophilia. Tell your doctor about all heart conditions you have, including heart failure, heart block, or heart rhythm problems (including long QT syndrome). Also tell your doctor if you are lactose intolerant or drink alcohol.

  • Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Changes in heart rhythm (including PR or QT prolongation)High cholesterol or triglyceridesHigh blood sugar levels, which could become permanentLiver problemsIncreased risk of bleedingSerious skin reactions

Invirase interactions

  • Do not use this medicine if you are also using any of the following: Alfuzosin, atazanavir, cisapride, cobicistat, dapsone, dasatinib, lovastatin, oral midazolam, rifampin, sildenafil, simvastatin, sunitinib, tacrolimus, trazodone, triazolamErgot medicine (including dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine)Medicine for heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, bepridil, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, lidocaine, propafenone, quinidine)Medicine to treat an infection (including clarithromycin, erythromycin, halofantrine, pentamidine, quinine)Medicine to treat mental illness (including lurasidone, clozapine, haloperidol, pimozide, sertindole, ziprasidone)Phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, thioridazine)

  • Do not use this medicine together with rilpivirine. Do not switch rilpivirine to saquinavir/ritonavir without a washout period of at least 2 weeks.

  • Many other drugs can interact with saquinavir. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

  • Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking an HIV medicine. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

  • This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Invirase side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate, unusual weight loss

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, chest pain

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, fever

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist

  • Tiredness

  • Diarrhea

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