Capsule

Roche Pharmaceuticals

Fortovase (saquinavir) is used with other medications to treat HIV infection.

Do not take Fortovase (saquinavir) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Fortovase (saquinavir) you are currently taking terfenadine, cisapride, astemizole, triazolam, midazolam, ergot derivatives, dofetilide, garlic supplements, lovastatin, simvastatin, St. John's wort, terfenadine and went yeast.

Before using Fortovase (saquinavir), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have impaired liver function, including hepatitis B or cirrhosis if you have hemophilia if you are allergic to similar medications if you have any other medical condition

Presence of other medical conditions like diabetes, hemophilia, high blood cholesterol, liver disease and kidney disease may affect the use of Fortovase (saquinavir).

Other:  Constipation; depression; stomach pain; sleeplessness; anxiety; decreased sex drive; changes in taste; pain; warts.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Fortovase (saquinavir) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take Fortovase (saquinavir) everyday exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not change from one form of Fortovase (saquinavir) to another without checking with your health care provider. Take Fortovase (saquinavir) within 2 hours after a full meal. Do not take with food. Fortovase (saquinavir) should be taken with other HIV medications. Do not take Fortovase (saquinavir) alone. Fortovase (saquinavir) is not a cure for HIV infection and you may continue to acquire illnesses/infections associated with HIV infection. Remain under the care of your health care provider. Fortovase (saquinavir) offers no protection from the transmission of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with HIV-1. HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed their infants because of the risk of transmitting the HIV infection. Diabetes patients -- Fortovase (saquinavir) may affect your blood sugar level. Your doctor may need to change the amount of diabetes medicine you are taking. Lab tests will be required to monitor treatment. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Fortovase (saquinavir) without checking with your doctor. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Fortovase (saquinavir). Do not take more medication than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, restart medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist at your next appointment.

Store Fortovase (saquinavir) between 36 and 46 degrees F. Use within 3 months once you bring Fortovase (saquinavir) to room temperature.