Invirase

The proper way to use

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

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. 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 with your doctor first.

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 the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, 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 health care professional.

Take only the brand name of this medicine that the doctor has prescribed for you. Do not switch from one brand name to another unless your doctor tells you to. Different brands may not contain the same amount of medicine.

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

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 oral dosage form (capsules and tablets [brand name Invirase]):
  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • Adults—1000 milligrams (mg) two times a day, in combination with ritonavir (e.g., Norvir).
    • Children up to 16 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For oral dosage form (soft gelatin capsules [brand name Fortovase]):
  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • Adults—1200 mg three times a day, alone or in combination with other medicines for HIV infection.
    • Children up to 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

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Store the soft gelatin capsule form (Fortovase) in the refrigerator. The Invirase capsules do not need to be refrigerated.