Indications
Prezista is a medication used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It contains the active ingredient darunavir, which is a type of protease inhibitor. Protease inhibitors are a class of drugs used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) by blocking an enzyme involved in the replication of the virus.
Prezista is typically administered in combination with ritonavir, which helps to increase the concentration of darunavir in the blood. Darunavir 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.
Uses and Dosage
Prezista (Darunavir) is available as a tablet to be taken orally with food, as directed by your doctor. It needs to be taken in combination with other medications, typically once or twice a day. Prezista (darunavir) should be taken as a whole tablet without crushing or chawing.
The dosage of Prezista is determined based on factors such as age, medical history, and response to treatment. If you are a child, your body weight will also be considered. To use Prezista (Darunavir) tablets, the typical starting dose for adults is 800 mg once daily with ritonavir 100 mg, both of which must be taken with food. This is taken in combination with other medications, once or twice a day.
Take Prezista exactly as prescribed by your doctor; this will ensure that you are receiving the best possible treatment for your condition. For the best results, take Prezista at the same time(s) every day.
Do not alter the dosage, skip doses, or stop taking the medication (or any other HIV medications) even for a brief period without your doctor's approval. Doing so may lead to an increase in the amount of virus in your body, make the infection more difficult to treat, or worsen side effects associated with the medication.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Prezista (Darunavir):
- Changes in the shape or location of body fat
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rash
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Weight loss
Serious Side Effects of Prezista (Darunavir):
- Burning eyes
- Cold sores
- Cough
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry mouth
- Fast heart rate
- Fever
- Fruity breath odor
- Hives
- Impotence
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Loss of appetite
- Menstrual changes
- Night sweats
- Prickly feeling
- Problems with balance or eye movement
- Red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling
- Skin pain
- Skin rash (no matter how mild)
- Sore throat
- Swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Swollen glands
- Trouble speaking or swallowing
- Upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back)
- Wheezing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Form and Strength
Prezista (Darunavir) is available in the following forms and strength:
Prezista: Tablet
- 600 mg
Darunavir: Tablet
- 600 mg
- 800 mg
Caution
- Prezista/ritonavir treatment may have side effects especially during the first several months of treatment.
- Darunavir belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors, and it may have some side effects.
- Prezista should be used with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment, and there is no pharmacokinetic data available in these patients.
- Prezista should also be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment
- Patients taking darunavir should inform their doctors of any other medications they are taking as there is a list of drug interactions that may occur.
- In some instances, Prezista may cause liver damage or liver failure. Patients should be monitored closely for signs of liver problems while taking Prezista.
- Prezista can cause a severe or life-threatening skin reaction, especially during the first two weeks of treatment. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience a skin rash or blistering.
- The safety and effectiveness of Prezista in pediatric patients have not been established.
- Prezista should not be used in patients with severe hypersensitivity to darunavir or ritonavir.
- Prezista is not a cure for HIV infection, and patients should continue to take all HIV medications precisely as prescribed by their healthcare providers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I take Prezista while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Prezista should only be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss their options with their healthcare provider.
Can Prezista be used as a single therapy for HIV infection?
No, Prezista should not be used as a single therapy for HIV infection. It should be taken in combination with at least two other HIV medications to reduce the risk of treatment resistance.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Prezista?
If you miss a dose of Prezista, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
How long will I need to take Prezista?
The length of time that patients need to take Prezista will depend on individual factors such as the stage of HIV infection, other health conditions, and the presence of drug resistance. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions regarding the duration of treatment.
Resources
- https://www.rxlist.com/prezista-drug.htm
- https://www.goodrx.com/prezista/what-is
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-144586/prezista-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/prezista.html
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/prezista
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=814301f9-c990-46a5-b481-2879a521a16f
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021976s021lbl.pdf
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