Saquinavir
Written By Dr. Swati Mishra
Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev SharmaLast updated 25 Nov 2025 | 09:34 AM (UTC)
Saquinavir Uses
Saquinavir is used in the treatment of HIV infection.
How Saquinavir works
Saquinavir is an anti-HIV medication. It works by interfering with an enzyme (protease), which is required by HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. This stops the production of new viruses.
Common side effects of Saquinavir
Vomiting, Nausea, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Pneumonia, Lipodystrophy (skin thickening or pits at the injection site)
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Expert advice for Saquinavir
- Saquinavir should be taken with food.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
- It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, loss of appetite darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Saquinavir should be taken with food.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
- Do not take antacids an hour before or two hours after taking Saquinavir.
- It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Stop taking medications (prescribed for erectile dysfunction) like sildenafil or tadalafil while on treatment with this medicine.
- Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, loss of appetite darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Saquinavir
Saquinavir is hydrophobic in nature. It is not hydrophilic
Saquinavir belongs to a class called protease inhibitors
Saquinavir is used along with other medication for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It does not completely cure HIV or AIDS. Saquinavir belongs to a class of medication called protease inhibitors. It prevents HIV from multiplying inside the body.