Compare Invirase vs. Aptivus

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

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Invirase (saquinavir)

Prescription only

Aptivus (tipranavir)

Prescription only
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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$1176.19
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Lowest price
$1800.75
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Reviews
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Side effects
18possible side effects
  • Nausea
    11%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Vomiting
    7%
  • Abdominal pain
    6%
  • Fatigue
    6%
  • Changes in fat distribution
    5%
  • Pneumonia
    5%
  • Diabetes or increased blood sugar
    3%
  • Fever
    3%
  • Bronchitis
    3%
  • Influenza
    3%
  • Sinus infections
    3%
  • Rash
    3%
  • Itching
    3%
  • Constipation
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Dry lips/skin
    2%
  • Eczema
    2%
See more detailed side effects
20possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    15%
  • Nausea
    9%
  • Fever
    8%
  • Vomiting
    6%
  • Fatigue
    6%
  • Headache
    5%
  • Abdominal pain
    4%
  • High triglycerides
    4%
  • Low red blood cells
    3%
  • Decreased weight
    3%
  • High cholesterol
    3%
  • Rash
    3%
  • Low white blood cells
    2%
  • Upper abdominal pain
    2%
  • Elevated liver function tests
    2%
  • Dehydration
    2%
  • Muscle pain
    2%
  • Nerve damage
    2%
  • Insomnia
    2%
  • Shortness of breath
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Invirase (saquinavir)
Learn more about Aptivus (tipranavir)