What is Darunavir Used For?

Darunavir is used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in adult patients. Each tablet contains 600mg of darunavir, an inhibitor of the HIV protease. This prevents viral replication by binding to the enzyme’s active site, preventing the formation of mature virus particles.

Dosing

Take 600 mg of darunavir (1 tablet) with 100 mg of ritonavir twice daily and with food. Your dose may vary if you are a treatment-experienced adult patient.

• Without darunavir resistance-associated substitutions: Take 800 mg of darunavir with 100 mg of ritonavir once daily and with food.
• With at least 1 darunavir resistance-associated substitution: Take 600 mg of darunavir (1 Daruvir tablet) with 100mg of ritonavir twice daily and with food.

If you are a treatment-experienced adult patient who is unable to undergo genotypic testing, take darunavir (600 mg) and ritonavir (100 mg) twice daily. Your doctor will determine the best treatment plan for you. Do not change your dose without talking to your doctor.

Contraindications

If you are allergic to darunavir, do not take this medication. Do not use it with other drugs that depend on CYP3A enzyme for clearance.

Darunavir Side Effects

The reported side effects of this treatment include:

• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Stomach pain;
• Headache;
• Mild skin rash;
• And changes in the shape or distribution of body fat, especially in the limbs, waist, neck, face, and breasts.

Rare side effects include:

• Symptoms of liver problems, such as dark-colored urine, jaundice, pale-colored feces, anorexia and tiredness;
• And symptoms of allergic reactions, such as a swollen mouth, tongue and/or face, hives, and difficulty swallowing, talking and/or breathing.

Precautions

The usage of this drug must be monitored carefully by a doctor if you have certain medical disorders, including:

• Liver disease (e.g. chronic hepatitis B or C);
• Sulfonamide allergies;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Or hemophilia.

Drug Interactions

Darunavir, which is co-administered with ritonavir, is an inhibitor of the cytochrome enzymes CYP3A and CYP2D6. Therefore, if administered concomitantly with ritonavir, any drugs that are metabolized by these enzymes will have prolonged therapeutic effects. Some drugs and supplements that can interact with darunavir are listed below.

1. Abacavir
2. 4-methoxyamphetamine
3. 19-norandrostenedione
4. Acenocoumarol
5. Anticoagulating agents (e.g. warfarin)
6. Anti-gout agents (e.g. colchicine)
7. Beta-blockers (e.g. metaprolol and timolol)
8. Calcium channel blockers (e.g. nifedipine and felodipine)

Pregnancy & Lactation

Darunavir is classified under category C in the FDA’s Pregnancy Risk Categories and should only be taken during pregnancy if it is absolutely necessary. It is not yet known if this drug is excreted in human breast milk. As such, lactating mothers should consult a doctor about safe breastfeeding practices while taking this medication. Your doctor will determine whether you should be taking this drug. Do not take it unless prescribed to you.

Overdosage

To avoid an overdose, take this medication according to your doctor’s dosage guidelines. If overdose occurs, seek medical attention. Your treatment should not be changed without consulting a medical professional.

Alternative Brand Names

This antiretroviral medication is sold internationally under the brand name Prezista.

What is Prezista? 

Prezista is a popular HIV medication in the USA for the treatment of HIV. Prezista contains Darunavir as its active ingredient. Prezista drug is also available for you in its generic form which is comes at a much lower price, simply called Darunavir.