Can you answer the following questions about
Fortovase®?
What is the generic name? Any abbreviations?
What "class" antiretroviral is it and how does it work?
With food, without food or food doesn't matter?
Any special storage instructions?
What are the capsules stability if left un-refrigerated?
Any side effects?
Any possible drug interactions?
What is a typical dose?
Any other significant counseling points?
Fortovase ® (Saquinavir) is a protease inhibitor (PI) that
suppresses viral replication.
The FDA approved dose of
Fortovase ®
(Saquinavir)
is 1200 mg tid, but it is
frequently used with ritonavir, both dosed 400 mg
bid. Many
other doses of saquinavir and ritonavir combinations are under
investigation. The original hard gel capsule formulation, Invirase®, should only be used with ritonavir.
Fortovase ®
(Saquinavir) should be
taken with food.
Refrigerate capsules while stored in pharmacy.
Patient may keep supply in
refrigerator or room temperature (for up to 3 months).
Side effects include GI intolerance,
headache, and elevated transaminase
levels.
Hyperglycemia, fat
redistribution, and cholesterol abnormalities have been
associated with the use of PIs.
Potential for drug interactions exists due to inhibition of cytochrome
P450 enzymes.
As with all antiretrovirals, adherence is
crucial. Non-adherence is a
frequent cause of drug failure and viral resistance, not only to saquinavir,
but to other PIs as well.
