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Compare Invirase vs. Aptivus

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Invirase (saquinavir) and Aptivus (tipranavir) are both protease inhibitors used to treat HIV. However, they have several differences. Invirase is specifically approved for use in people over 16 years old, while Aptivus can be used in children as young as 2 years old. Invirase comes as a tablet, whereas Aptivus is available as capsules and an oral solution. Both medications require the use of ritonavir (Norvir) as a booster, but Invirase must be taken with food, while Aptivus can be taken with or without food. Both medications can cause nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Invirase has a risk of causing changes to heart rhythm, while Aptivus has a rare risk of bleeding in the brain. Both medications can raise cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Aptivus is not recommended for people with sulfa allergies.

  • Invirase (saquinavir)
    Aptivus (tipranavir)
  • Invirase (saquinavir)
    Aptivus (tipranavir)

  • Summary of Invirase vs. Aptivus

    Summary for HIV-1 protease inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Invirase (saquinavir) is an oral tablet that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in adults and children over 16 years of age. You'll also need to take ritonavir (Norvir) twice daily to help Invirase (saquinavir) work better against the virus. Invirase (saquinavir) belongs to a class of medications called protease inhibitors. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Aptivus (tipranavir) is an HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medication used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV. It's not used very often anymore because of side effects, interactions with other medications, and daily doses requiring multiple capsules.

  • Indications of Invirase vs. Aptivus

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection in people over 16 years old
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Invirase vs. Aptivus

    Pros and Const for HIV-1 protease inhibitor
    Pros
    •Approved for use in adults and children over 16 years old
    •Safe to take for people with mild to moderate kidney problems
    •Available as a tablet taken by mouth twice daily
    Cons
    •Might raise blood sugar, body fat, and cholesterol levels
    •Requires regular blood work and lab tests
    •Interacts with many medications
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Available as an oral solution if you have a hard time swallowing capsules
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Can be used in children aged 2 years and older
    •Oral solution contains vitamin E
    Cons
    •Must be taken with a booster called ritonavir (Norvir)
    •Not a good option for people with sulfa allergies or moderate to severe liver problems
    •Typical adult doses require 4 capsules a day
    •Can cause higher cholesterol and blood sugar

  • Common Side Effects of Invirase vs. Aptivus

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Vomiting (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Feeling tired (6%)
    •Pneumonia (5%)
    •Changes in fat (5%)

    Side effects above were reported in adults taking this medication with ritonavir (Norvir).

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (15%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Fever (8%)
    •Vomiting (6%)
    •Fatigue (6%)
    •Headache (5%)

  • Warnings of Invirase vs. Aptivus

    Common Side Effects for
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •High blood sugar
    •Liver problems
    •Risk of bleeding in people with hemophilia
    •Higher cholesterol levels
    •Potential harm if lactose intolerant
    •Overactive immune system
    •Changes in body fat
    Common Side Effects for
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •BLEEDING IN THE BRAIN
    •DRUG INTERACTIONS
    •SULFA ALLERGY
    •DIABETES
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •FAT REDISTRIBUTION
    •HIGHER CHOLESTEROL

  • Prices with our coupons for Invirase vs. Aptivus

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