Compare Prezista vs. Invirase

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

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Treats HIV infection.

Prezista (darunavir) is one of the first-choices for treatment of HIV because it has fewer side-effects compared to other medicines that work like it.

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.

Upsides
  • Prezista (darunavir) is a good choice for those newly diagnosed HIV.
  • May be used in combination with other HIV medicines if you have been accidentally exposed to HIV by a needle-stick.
  • Available as a liquid solution and can be used for children as young as 3 years old.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Need to take together with a booster like Norvir.
  • Doesn't work as well for those with longstanding HIV.
  • Can affect your cholestorol and blood sugar levels.
  • 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).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$1801.63
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Lowest price
$1176.19
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Reviews
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Side effects
12possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    14%
  • Headache
    7%
  • Nausea
    7%
  • Rash
    7%
  • Abdominal pain
    6%
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Physical weakness
    3%
  • Loss of appetite
    2%
  • Abdominal swelling
    2%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Fatigue
    2%
  • Diabetes
    2%
See more detailed 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
Risks and risk factors
  • Liver damage
    • History of liver damage
    • Alcohol intake
  • Severe skin reactions
  • Sulfonamide allergy
  • Fat redistribution
    • HIV treatment
  • Immune recovery syndrome
    • HIV
    • Exposure to other infections
    • Start of a new HIV medication
    • Change in HIV therapy
  • Diabetes
    • Use of protease inhibitors
    • Diabetes
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
Learn more about Prezista (darunavir)
Learn more about Invirase (saquinavir)