Compare Invirase vs. Aptivus
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection.
Invirase (saquinavir) is not a first choice medicine for HIV because other medicines similar to Invirase (saquinavir) work better with fewer side effects and with less pills to take every day.
Treats HIV infection.
Aptivus (tipranavir) is not the first-choice treatment for HIV because it can cause more side effects and drug interactions than similar alternatives.
Upsides
- If you have trouble swallowing capsules, they can be opened and mixed with syrup or jam.
- People ages 16 and older can use this medicine.
- Aptivus (tipranavir) comes in liquid form if you have trouble swallowing pills.
- Children as young as 2 years old can use Aptivus (tipranavir) safely and effectively.
Downsides
- Have to take at least 4 pills to reach your daily dose, along with all the other medications you are taking for HIV treatment.
- Invirase (saquinavir) interacts with many other medications. This interaction can be harmful.
- Can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- If you have a history of heart problems, Invirase (saquinavir) can put you at risk for developing unusual heart rhythms.
- Only use ritonavir to boost Invirase (saquinavir), not Tybost (cobicistat).
- Aptivus (tipranavir) can cause high cholesterol and high blood sugars.
- Aptivus (tipranavir) isn't a good option if you have a sulfa allergy.
- Use barrier contraceptives, like condoms, when taking Aptivus (tipranavir) because it can make birth control pills less effective.
- Aptivus (tipranavir) should always be taken with Norvir (ritonavir) to be effective.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$1176.19
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$1872.45
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Side effects
18possible side effects
- Nausea11%
- Diarrhea8%
- Vomiting7%
- Abdominal pain6%
- Fatigue6%
- Changes in fat distribution5%
- Pneumonia5%
- Diabetes or increased blood sugar3%
- Fever3%
- Bronchitis3%
- Influenza3%
- Sinus infections3%
- Rash3%
- Itching3%
- Constipation2%
- Back pain2%
- Dry lips/skin2%
- Eczema2%
20possible side effects
- Diarrhea15%
- Nausea9%
- Fever8%
- Vomiting6%
- Fatigue6%
- Headache5%
- Abdominal pain4%
- High triglycerides4%
- Low red blood cells3%
- Decreased weight3%
- High cholesterol3%
- Rash3%
- Low white blood cells2%
- Upper abdominal pain2%
- Elevated liver function tests2%
- Dehydration2%
- Muscle pain2%
- Nerve damage2%
- Insomnia2%
- Shortness of breath2%
Risks and risk factors
- Heart rhythm problems
- Use with other QT or PR prolonging drugs
- History of heart disease
- Low potassium or magnesium levels
- Drug interactions
- Liver damage
- History of liver damage
- Hepatitis B or C
- Chronic alcoholism
- New or worsening diabetes
- Use of protease inhibitors
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol and fat in the blood
- Immune reconstitution syndrome
- HIV
- Exposure to other infections
- Start of a new HIV medication
- Change in HIV therapy
- Bleeding in the brain
- Immune reconstitution syndrome
- HIV
- Exposure to other infections
- Start of a new HIV medication
- Change in HIV therapy
- Liver damage
- History of liver damage
- Hepatitis B or C
- Rash
- Sulfa allergy
- Fat redistribution
- HIV treatment