Prezista (Darunavir) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Prezista

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HIV facts

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes, or through a break in the skin.
HIV infection is generally a slowly progressive disease in which the virus is present throughout the body at all stages of the disease.
Three stages of HIV infection have been described.

The initial stage of infection (primary infection), which occurs within weeks of acquiring the virus, and often is characterized by a flu- or mono-like illness that generally resolves within weeks.
The stage of chronic asymptomatic infection (meaning a long duration of infection without symptoms) lasts an average of eight to 10 years.
The stage of symptomatic infection, in which the body's immune (or defense) system has...

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Prezista Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

DARUNAVIR - ORAL

(dar-YOU-nah-veer)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prezista

USES: This drug, used in combination with ritonavir and at least 1 other medication, helps to control HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It also lowers your risk of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer). Darunavir belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors. If your HIV infection has become resistant to other protease inhibitors, darunavir may work for you.

Darunavir is not a cure for HIV and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist, before you start taking darunavir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take your dose of darunavir and ritonavir by mouth, always with a meal, as directed by your doctor. It is important to take these medications with a meal so that they are properly absorbed into your blood. Swallow darunavir tablets whole. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablets.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children the dosage is also based on age and body weight.

If you are taking HIV medications for the first time, you may experience symptoms of an old infection as your immune system begins to work better. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any trouble breathing, fever, new cough, new vision problems, new headaches, or new skin problems.

It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.