Invirase

Invirase (also known as Saquinavir) is an antiretroviral drug used in the treatment of the HIV. It is classified under the drug class of protease inhibitors, which work by preventing the virus from replicating in the body. Invirase is often used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.

Medical Uses

Invirase is used in combination with ritonavir and other antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV-1 infected patients. This combination is referred to as HAART. The goal of HAART is to reduce the amount of virus in the body, known as the viral load, to undetectable levels.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Invirase include nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and fatigue. Serious side effects may include high blood sugar, increased bleeding in people with hemophilia, and changes in heart rhythm.

Pharmacology

Invirase is a protease inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of protease, an enzyme used by HIV to split large proteins into smaller ones. By blocking this enzyme, Invirase prevents HIV from making more viruses, thus reducing the viral load.

History

Invirase was the first protease inhibitor approved by the FDA in 1995. It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Roche.

See Also

• Antiretroviral drug
• Protease inhibitors (PIs)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
• Ritonavir
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Roche

Invirase Resources
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