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GSK / Fortovase

Fortovase is used in the treatment of advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes the immune system to break down so that it can no longer fight off other infections. This leads to the fatal disease known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Fortovase belongs to a class of HIV drugs called protease inhibitors, which work by interfering with an important step in the virus's reproductive cycle. Fortovase is used in combination with other HIV drugs called nucleoside analogues (Retrovir or Hivid, for example). The combination produces an increase in the immune system's vital CD4 cells (white blood cells) and reduces the amount of virus in the bloodstream. Fortovase should not be used by itself.

The active ingredient in Invirase is saquinavir mesylate, and although it's similar to the active ingredient in Fortovase, the two drugs are not interchangeable (see "Most important fact about Fortovase"). However, the drug information provided here about Fortovase also applies to Invirase.