Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Invirase (saquinavir)
Crixivan (indinavir)
Invirase (saquinavir)
Crixivan (indinavir)
Summary of Invirase vs. Crixivan
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
Crixivan (indinavir) was one of the first HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medications approved by the FDA. Due to side effects and medication interactions, it has not been a first choice treatment option for many years and has been discontinued in the U.S.
Indications of Invirase vs. Crixivan
Indications for
•Treatment of HIV infection in people over 16 years old
Indications for
Pros and Cons of Invirase vs. Crixivan
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
Cons
Common Side Effects of Invirase vs. Crixivan
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).