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Compare Invirase vs. Crixivan

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

Key takeaways

Invirase (saquinavir) and Crixivan (indinavir) are both medications used to treat HIV and belong to the protease inhibitor class. However, there are several differences between them. Invirase (saquinavir) is still available and is taken orally as part of an antiretroviral regimen, requiring co-administration with ritonavir (Norvir) to enhance its effectiveness. It is prescribed for adults and children over 16 years old. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, and it can interact with many other medications, potentially causing serious issues like heart rhythm problems. On the other hand, Crixivan (indinavir) has been discontinued in the U.S. due to business reasons and is no longer available in brand or generic forms. While both medications are protease inhibitors, Invirase (saquinavir) remains in use, whereas Crixivan (indinavir) is not an option for treatment anymore.

  • 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).

    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Invirase vs. Crixivan

    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Invirase vs. Crixivan

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