Prezista is an oral tablet consisting of a protease inhibitor drug called darunavir. We carry this mediation in both the brand choice and generic alternative in 300mg, 400mg, and 600mg.

Prezista is prescribed to patients to control HIV to help prevent AIDS. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus that is spread through human fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal fluids. This virus will slowly weaken your immune system over time, which can become fatal if it progresses to AIDS. The immune system is the body’s “bodyguard” as it is in charge of defending the body against any threats, such as infections and disease. When HIV weakens your immune system so much to the point where it is not longer capable of fighting infections and diseases, you have AIDS. AIDS can be life-threatening if not treated as infections and diseases are able to thrive in your body without an immune system to fight them off.

Prezista (darunavir) is effective at controlling HIV and preventing AIDS because as a protease inhibitor, it is able to stop the HIV virus from multiplying in the body which prevents it from progressing and resulting in AIDS.

Your doctor will tell you before prescribing you Prezista (darunavir) exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget. During treatment, it is likely you will need frequent medical tests. Use all medications prescribed for your condition to allow treatment to work effectively.

 For best effect; take this medication with food. If you also take ritonavir, take these medications at the same time. Swallow the tablet whole and avoid crushing or chewing.

Store this medication at room temperature in an low risk area of moisture and heat.

Prezista should not be used by those who are allergic to darunavir or ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra), or if you have severe liver disease.

This product should not be used by those under the age of 3 or those who weigh less than 22 pounds.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Some medications should not be taken together with Prezista or else unwanted and dangerous side effects may occur. Tell your doctor all medications you are currently taking to determine if you need a dose adjustment of any kind. See FAQ for examples of which drugs may interact with Prezista.

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C), diabetes, a bleeding disorder, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.

Risks

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is important to have HIV under control during the time of birth to avoid passing the virus to the baby. Follow your doctor's directions very carefully.

If you have HIV, you should not breastfeed a baby. HIV can be passed to babies through breast milk.

This drug may cause ineffectiveness in birth control pills. Use other forms of birth control while using this medication, such as condoms, spermicide, or a diaphragm.

Common side effects of Prezista (darunavir) may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain; headache; rash; or changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Prezista (darunavir) may include:

trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

high blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

liver or pancreas problems: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

new infection: fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss.

Is this medication safe for children?

Yes. As long as the child is over the age of 3 and weighs more than 22 pounds.

What should I avoid if I am using this product?

This medication will not prevent your disease from spreading. Ensure you are wearing proper protection, such as a condom, during sexual intercourse, and not sharing personal items that may have your body fluids on it, such as a toothbrush or razor.

Does it have any medication interactions?

Yes. If you take any of the following medications, tell your doctor as you may need a dose adjustment; alfuzosin; cisapride; colchicine (in people with liver or kidney disease); dronedarone; elbasvir and grazoprevir; pimozide, lurasidone; ranolazine; rifampin; sildenafil (Revatio, for pulmonary arterial hypertension); St. John's wort; triazolam or oral midazolam; cholesterol medication - lomitapide, lovastatin, simvastatin; or ergot medicines - dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine.

This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with darunavir (Prezista). Consult your doctor to learn more about which drugs interact with darunavir.

What is the best way to store this medication?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat; keep away from children and pets.