DRUG WARNING: INVIRASE (SAQUINAVIR MESYLATE)

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On April 20, 2010, Hoffman LaRoche, in collaboration with Health Canada issued a report describing dose-dependent abnormal electrical activity or conduction in the heart (specifically prolongations of QT and PR intervals) in healthy volunteers.

They suggested that caution be taken in patients with known QT prolongation abnormalities or those taking other medications known to prolong the QT interval and the administration of Invirase.

Physicians should order baseline electrocardiograms (ECGs) for patients for whom they wish to prescribe Invirase. In addition, patients on Invirase experiencing heart palpitations should contact their physician.

For more information: Click here to view the Health Canada advisory

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During the Canada Post strike announced September 25, 2025, the following measures will be undertaken to minimize service disruption to BC-CfE clients and providers.

  • The BC-CfE Laboratory has transitioned to private courier for delivery of outgoing reports and documents. Results required urgently can be faxed upon request. (Lab Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8775; FAX 604-806-9463)
  • The BC-CfE Drug Treatment Program (DTP) will fax outgoing forms and documents to the provider’s office. (DTP Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8515; FAX 604-806-9044)
  • St. Paul’s Hospital Ambulatory Pharmacy has transitioned to private courier for delivery of medications. We recommend requesting medication at least 2 weeks in advance in case of delivery delays, particularly to rural/remote parts of BC. (Contact Information: Phone 1-800-547-3622; FAX 604-806-8675)

During the Canada Post strike, we recommend that documents be faxed or couriered to our sites, versus utilization of regular mail service

The BC-CfE Laboratory is streamlining reporting processes for certain tests in order to simplify distribution and record-keeping, and to ensure completeness of results. Beginning September 2, 2025, results for the ‘Resistance Analysis of HIV-1 Protease and Reverse Transcriptase’ (Protease-RT) and ‘HIV-1 Integrase Resistance Genotype’ tests will be combined into a single ‘HIV-1 Resistance Genotype Report’.
For more details and example reports, please click on the button below

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