Saquinavir and Alcohol/Food Interactions

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.

PIs - hyperlipidemia

Treatment with ritonavir alone or in combination with other protease inhibitors (e.g., lopinavir, saquinavir, tipranavir, fosamprenavir) has resulted in substantial increases in the concentration of total cholesterol and triglycerides. These effects have also been reported with other protease inhibitors but may be the most dramatic with ritonavir. The clinical significance of these elevations is unclear. Marked elevation in triglyceride levels is a risk factor for development of pancreatitis. Triglyceride and cholesterol testing is recommended before starting ritonavir (with or without other protease inhibitors) and periodically during therapy. Lipid disorders should be managed as clinically appropriate.