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Drug Interactions between Paxlovid and saquinavir

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

saquinavir ritonavir

Applies to: saquinavir and Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)

Using saquinavir together with ritonavir may increase the effects of saquinavir. Contact your doctor if you experience increased urination or extreme thirst, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, cough, nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate

saquinavir nirmatrelvir

Applies to: saquinavir and Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)

Using nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) together with saquinavir may increase the blood levels of both these medications. In general, it is recommended that you continue with your HIV regimen as previously prescribed during therapy with Paxlovid. However, you should let your doctor know if you experience increased side effects. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

saquinavir food

Applies to: saquinavir

Food can enhance the levels of saquinavir in your body. Saquinavir should be taken with meals or within 2 hours after eating. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. Grapefruit can raise the levels of saquinavir in your body. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate

ritonavir food

Applies to: Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)

Ritonavir should be taken with food to lessen gastrointestinal side effects. It is important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your treatment or stop treatment without first talking to your doctor.

Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Protease inhibitors

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'protease inhibitors' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'protease inhibitors' category:

  • Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir)
  • saquinavir

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer