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Prezista vs. Invirase

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

Key takeaways

Prezista (darunavir) and Invirase (saquinavir) are both protease inhibitors used to treat HIV infections that must be taken with a booster, ritonavir (Norvir). However, there are several differences between them. Prezista is approved for use in people aged 3 years and older, while Invirase has been discontued and is no longer available in the U.S. Prezista is available as an oral tablet or suspension and is typically taken once a day. Invirase was available only as a tablet taken twice a day. Prezista can be used during pregnancy. Common side effects of Prezista include diarrhea, rash, and nausea.

Prezista

(darunavir)

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Invirase

(saquinavir)

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Summary for Prezista

Prescription only

Prezista (darunavir) is an oral tablet or suspension that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It's often taken in combination with a "booster," like ritonavir (Norvir), to help Prezista (darunavir) work better against the virus. Rarely, this medication can cause a skin rash within the first month of treatment, but it typically goes away on its own. Lastly, let your provider know if you have a history of sulfa allergy since Prezista (darunavir) contains a "sulfa" component.

Indications for Prezista

  • Treatment of HIV infection in people aged 3 years and older

Pros and Cons for Prezista

Pros

  • Taken once a day by mouth
  • Available as an oral suspension, so it's convenient if you have trouble swallowing pills
  • Safe to take during pregnancy

Cons

  • Requires regular blood work and lab tests
  • Interacts with many medications
  • Must be used carefully in people with sulfa allergies

Common Side Effects for Prezista

  • Diarrhea (9-14%)
  • Rash (6-7%)
  • Nausea (4-7%)
  • Headache (3-7%)
  • Stomach pain (6%)
  • Vomiting (2-5%)

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

Warnings for Prezista

  • Liver problems
  • Severe skin and allergic reactions
  • Changes in body fat
  • Overactive immune system
  • Bleeding
  • Interactions with other medications

Summary for Invirase

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.

Indications for Invirase

  • Treatment of HIV infection in people over 16 years old

Pros and Cons for Invirase

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

Common Side Effects for Invirase

  • 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).

Warnings for Invirase

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Prezista vs. Invirase

Price Card Drug Icon
Darunavir30 tablets / 800mg of
$69.96$2,039.29
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Invirase30 tablets / 500mg
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