Invirase (Saquinavir Capsules)

• If you have an allergy to saquinavir or any other part of Invirase (saquinavir capsules).
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have any of these health problems: Heart block without a working pacemaker, liver disease, or low blood magnesium or potassium levels.
• If you have ever had a long QT on ECG.
• If you are not taking ritonavir.
• If you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with this medicine, like certain drugs that are used for high cholesterol, migraines, or mood problems. There are many drugs that must not be taken with Invirase.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this medicine.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Invirase.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Invirase. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine interacts with many other drugs. The chance of this medicine's side effects may be raised or how well Invirase works may be lowered. The chance of the other drugs' side effects may also be raised. This may include very bad, life-threatening, or deadly side effects. Check with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your other drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins).
• You may have some heart tests before starting Invirase. Talk with your doctor.
• A type of abnormal heartbeat (prolonged QT interval) can happen with this medicine. Call your doctor right away if you have a fast heartbeat, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, or if you pass out.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor. This medicine may raise blood sugar.
• Some people with hemophilia have had times of more bleeding when taking drugs like this one. If you have hemophilia, talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may cause high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Talk with the doctor.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine is not a cure for HIV. Stay under the care of your doctor.
• This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors. Talk with your doctor.
• Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use some other kind of birth control also like a condom when taking Invirase.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.
• If you are on a lactose-free diet, talk with your doctor. Some products have lactose.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Belly pain.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Feeling tired or weak.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.