SAQUINAVIR

Avoid taking SAQUINAVIR if you are allergic to it. Caution should be exercised if you have liver/kidney disease, cardiovascular conditions, Congenital Long QT Syndrome, diabetes, hepatitis B infection, and hepatitis C infection. This medicine is contraindicated in patients with congenital or documented acquired QT prolongation, AV block, anaphylactic reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, use of SAQUINAVIR with ritonavir in severe hepatic impairment, combination of SAQUINAVIR and ritonavir with CYP3A substrates and rifampicin due to hepatotoxicity as it can cause serious side effects. Hence, avoid using this medicine under such conditions. SAQUINAVIR should be given to pregnant and breastfeeding women only if recommended by the doctor. This medicine may cause dizziness; hence, avoid driving or operating machines while taking SAQUINAVIR. Children below 16 years of age should take SAQUINAVIR only if prescribed by the doctor.

Drug-Drug Interactions: SAQUINAVIR may interact with alpha-adrenergic blockers (prazosin, alfuzosin), gastrointestinal medicine (cisapride), contraceptives (ethynyl estradiol, norethindrone), immunosuppressants (cyclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus), antibiotics (clarithromycin), antiretroviral drugs (efavirenz, nevirapine, indinavir), antidepressant drugs (phenytoin, phenobarbitone, carbamazepine), etc.

Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiac problems, liver or kidney disease, Congenital Long QT Syndrome, or diabetes.

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as vegetables and fruit as it helps to boost your immune system. Try to take lean protein and whole grains.
• Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
• Eat bland and low-fat foods, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
• Practice safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
• Never share personal items with body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
• Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.
• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis.
• Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with your family or doing whatever makes you happy.
• Drink more fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration. 

• Get an HIV test done at least every three months.
• Regular kidney and liver function and bone mineral density tests while taking SAQUINAVIR are advised. 
• Regularly get blood and urine tests done while taking SAQUINAVIR.
• SAQUINAVIR may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with HIV infection or AIDS. So, people taking SAQUINAVIR should be carefully monitored throughout the treatment.