Compare Invirase vs. Reyataz

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

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Invirase (saquinavir)

Prescription only

Reyataz (atazanavir)

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.

Reyataz (atazanavir) works well with other HIV medicines to treat HIV, but it's not a first-line choice due to its side effects, and you must take it with food.

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.
  • If first-line choices for HIV medicines are not an option, Reyataz (atazanavir) is a good alternative to consider.
  • Conveniently taken once daily.
  • Available in powder form for mixing if pills are hard to swallow.
  • A safer choice than Prezista (darunavir) or Prezcobix (darunavir/cobicistat) for people with heart problems.
  • Good choice for people with kidney problems.
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).
  • Reyataz (atazanavir) can interact with many other medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping medicines.
  • Not a good choice for people with uncontrolled diabetes, liver problems, or history of gallstones or kidney stones.
  • Needs to be taken with other HIV medicines.
  • Reyataz (atazanavir) powder contains phenylalanine, which is harmful to people who can't digest phenylalanine (i.e., phenylketonuria).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Powder
Price
Lowest price
$1199.53
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Lowest price
$119.87
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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
13possible side effects
  • Nausea
    14%
  • Yellowing of skin and eyes
    9%
  • Rash
    7%
  • Headache
    6%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Stomach pain
    4%
  • Burning or tingling in hands, arms, legs, or feet
    4%
  • Muscle pain
    4%
  • Trouble sleeping
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Fever
    2%
  • Depression
    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
  • Changes in heartbeat
    • History of heartbeat problems
    • Taking other medicines that can affect your heartbeat
  • High bilirubin levels
  • New or worsening diabetes
    • Diabetes
  • Immune reconstitution syndrome
    • HIV
    • Exposure to other infections
    • Start of a new HIV medicine
    • Change in HIV therapy
  • Liver damage
    • History of liver damage
    • Hepatitis B or C
  • Severe skin reactions
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Invirase (saquinavir)
Learn more about Reyataz (atazanavir)