Prezista (Darunavir) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Human Immunodeficiency Virus »

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 Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking darunavir (Prezista)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to darunavir.

Some drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking darunavir. Do not take darunavir with:

astemizole (Hismanal) or terfenadine (Seldane);
cisapride (Propulsid);
pimozide (Orap);
lovastatin (Mevacor) or simvastatin (Zocor);
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater);
triazolam (Halcion) or oral midazolam (Versed);
St. John's wort; or
ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take darunavir:

liver disease (especially hepatitis or cirrhosis);
diabetes;
a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; or
high cholesterol or triglycerides.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether darunavir is harmful to an unborn baby. HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.

Taking darunavir together with birth control pills can make the darunavir less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking darunavir.

You should not breast-feed while you are using darunavir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

How should I take darunavir (Prezista)?

Take darunavir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Darunavir must be taken together with another medication called ritonavir (Norvir).

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water or milk.

Darunavir and ritonavir is most effective when taken with food.

Swallow the darunavir tablet whole.

It is important to use darunavir regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested., especially if you have hepatitis B or C. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store darunavir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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