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 is used in combination with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life.

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 must be given with ritonavir, another protease inhibitor, to increase ("boost") the levels of darunavir. This helps darunavir work better.

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).

This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 3 years due to the increased risk of serious side effects.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking darunavir and each time you get a refill. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully read the Instructions for Use provided with the medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take your dose of darunavir and ritonavir by mouth at the same time(s) as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day with food. It is important to take these medications with food so that they are properly absorbed into your blood. Swallow darunavir tablets whole. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablets.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your age, laboratory tests, medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, the dose is given twice a day, and is also based on body weight.

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.