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Darunavir

Pronounced

"dar-YOU-nah-veer"

Common brand names:

Prezista

Uses

This drug is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. 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. Darunavir must be given with certain other medications (such as cobicistat, ritonavir) to increase ("boost") the levels of darunavir. This helps darunavir work better.

Darunavir is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

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

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This product may also be used to lessen the risk of HIV infection after contact with the virus (for example, due to a needle stick). Ask your doctor for more details.

How to Use This Medication

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 this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor. Darunavir must be taken at the same time as certain other medications, usually once or twice a day. (See also Uses section.) If you have trouble swallowing the tablets, ask your doctor if you should use the liquid form.

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, lab tests, medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage 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.

For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every 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.

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