Compare Invirase vs. Crixivan

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

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Invirase (saquinavir)

Prescription only

Crixivan (indinavir)

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.

Crixivan (indinavir) is a good alternative drug used with other medications to treat HIV, but is not a first-choice treatment because of its side effects and many drug interactions.

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.
  • Can be effective at treating HIV infection if other medicines have not worked.
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).
  • Crixivan (indinavir) interacts with many other drugs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications.
  • Crixivan (indinavir) can cause kidney stones so it's important to stay hydrated.
  • Crixivan (indinavir) might cause yellowing of the skin or eyes.
  • Crixivan (indinavir) can cause high cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood sugar levels.
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Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$1176.19
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Lowest price
$429.05
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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
21possible side effects
  • Abdominal pain
    17%
  • Kidney stones
    12%
  • Nausea
    12%
  • Elevated serum bilirubin
    12%
  • Vomiting
    8%
  • Back pain
    8%
  • Headache
    5%
  • Itching
    4%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Acid regurgitation
    3%
  • Anorexia
    3%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Metallic taste
    3%
  • Weakness/fatigue
    2%
  • Fever
    2%
  • Discomfort
    2%
  • Increased appetite
    2%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Yellowing of skin and eyes
    2%
  • Sleepiness
    2%
  • Cough
    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
  • New onset or worsened diabetes
    • Use of protease inhibitors
    • Diabetes
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Liver damage
    • History of liver damage
  • Drug interactions
  • Kidney stones
    • Children
    • Dehydration
  • Fat redistribution
    • HIV treatment
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Invirase (saquinavir)
Learn more about Crixivan (indinavir)