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Food and Herbs Interaction with Saquinavir


Are you taking Saquinavir? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Saquinavir with certain foods and herbs? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Saquinavir Interactions with Food and Herbs

Grapefruit:
  • The interaction of Saquinavir and grapefruit juice increases drug bioavailability, which can lead to serious side effects.
  • It is best to avoid grapefruit juice while taking Saquinavir (1 Trusted Source
    Kupferschmidt HH, Fattinger KE, Ha HR, Follath F, Krahenbuhl S. Grapefruit juice enhances the bioavailability of the HIV protease inhibitor saquinavir in man. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1998 Apr;45(4):355-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2125.1998.t01-1-00687.x. PMID: 9578182; PMCID: PMC1873963.

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    ).


When and How to Take Saquinavir

  • Saquinavir is available in the form of a capsule and a tablet to be taken orally.
  • It is usually taken twice a day within 2 hours after a full meal.
  • Swallow the tablets as a whole instead of crushing, chewing or breaking them.
  • Follow the directions exactly as given on the prescription label.
  • Take the medication at the same time every day for better results.
  • Do not exceed or skip a dose. If you miss it, take the medication as soon as you remember.
  • Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose (2 Trusted Source
    National Library of Medicine : Saquinavir MedlinePlus Drug Information.

    Go to source
    ).

References

1. Kupferschmidt HH, Fattinger KE, Ha HR, Follath F, Krahenbuhl S. Grapefruit juice enhances the bioavailability of the HIV protease inhibitor saquinavir in man. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1998 Apr;45(4):355-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2125.1998.t01-1-00687.x. PMID: 9578182; PMCID: PMC1873963.
2. National Library of Medicine: Saquinavir MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696001.html#

Drug Name : Saquinavir

Saquinavir is a protease inhibitor, prescribed for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with other medication. It slows the spread of HIV in the body.
We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.


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