Invirase and Alcohol Interaction
Invirase and Alcohol
Invirase generic name saquinavir belongs to the family of drugs which are antiviral medications which are known as protease inhibitors and work to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body. It is used to treat HIV which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Not it is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Invirase must be taken with another medication, ritonavir (Norvir). You should not take this drug if you are allergic to saquinavir or ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra).
There are many other drugs serious or life threatening medical problems if you take them with Invirase. Please notify your physician of any other medication you are using before starting these two drugs.
It is suggested that you do not consume alcohol while using this drug as it may greatly increase the side effects.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
It is suggested that before taking this or any other drug you have a frank and honest discussion with your physician as to your drinking habits. This may be difficult as many alcoholics are in a state of denial as to their drinking habits.
I have also noticed that many alcoholics are not subject to the morning after illness that most of us suffer through when we drink too much. Severe alcoholics usually find if they feel “shakey” in the morning, a drink will make them feel more normal.
Before taking these drugs advise your physician if you are allergic to these or any other drugs or substances, if you are pregnant, plan to be so or are breast feeding, have liver disease, diabetes, hemophilia, high cholesterol, heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, history of Long QT Syndrome, high tryglycerides.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, tired feeling, changes in the shape and location of body fat especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts and waist. If these occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are severe allergic reactions such as hives, fifficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, fruity breath odour, cough with yellow or green mucus,, chest pain, wheezing, short of breath, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, mouth and throat ulcers, any type of infection, skin infection or open sorers. If these occur get emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
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