Abstract

Roche Pharmaceuticals would like to inform you that the sale and distribution of Fortovase — the 200-mg soft-gel formulation of saquinavir — will be discontinued by February 15, 2006. Roche has taken this action because the clinical demand for Fortovase has declined significantly; this is not the result of any safety or efficacy issues regarding the product. Invirase, which is the preferred formulation of saquinavir, will continue to be available in 200-mg and 500-mg formulations. Invirase offers patients key advantages over Fortovase, including: • Lower pill burden – approved dosing for 500-mg Invirase is 1000 mg twice-daily with 100 mg of ritonavir BID (3 pills twice daily or a total count of 6 pills) • Improved GI tolerability (less diarrhea and vomiting)1 – Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Guidelines state: “The hard gel capsule appears to have much better gastrointestinal tolerance than the soft gel preparation.”2 • Smaller capsules/tablets – both 200-mg and 500-mg Invirase formulation are smaller in size than Fortovase capsules. • No need for refrigeration. At this time, we encourage physicians to refrain from starting Fortovase treatment in their HIV-positive