darunavir, TMC-114 (Prezista)
Type of Drug: Protease Inhibitor
Once HIV has infected a cell and made copies of itself, it uses an enzyme called protease to process itself correctly so it can be released from the cell to infect other cells. Protease inhibitors work by blocking that enzyme.
Approved adult dosing
For those who have taken antiretroviral drugs before: one 600 mg tablet Prezista + one 100 mg capsule Norvir, two times a day
- Morning
Prezista 600 mg
+
Norvir
- Evening
Prezista 600 mg
+
Norvir
For those who have NEVER taken antiretroviral drugs: two 400 mg tablets Prezista + one 100 mg capsule Norvir, once a day
Prezista 400 mg
+
Norvir
Note: Prezista has been available as a 300 mg tablet (dose is two 300 mg tablets + one 100 mg capsule Norvir, two times a day), but this is being phased out.
Notes on taking this medication
- Must take Prezista with Norvir; it is approved only with the use of Norvir
- Must take with food
- Prezista interacts with many other drugs; persons using Prezista with those drugs may need an adjustment to their dose of Prezista or the other drugs; consult your medical provider
Side effects
- Nausea; diarrhea; stomach discomfort
- Rash
- Liver inflammation and increased liver enzyme levels
- Elevations in cholesterol and triglycerides
- Elevated blood sugar
- Abnormal accumulation of body fat
- Persons who are allergic to sulfa drugs may be allergic to Prezista
Summary
Darunavir, TMC-114 (Prezista) is a protease inhibitor drug prescribed for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection left untreated causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Still incurable, AIDS describes immune system collapse that opens the way for opportunistic infections and cancers to kill the patient. Early symptoms and signs of HIV infection include flu-like symptoms and fungal infections, but some people may not show any symptoms for years. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV infection. These combination drug regimens have made HIV much less deadly, but a cure or vaccine for the pandemic remains out of reach. HIV is usually transmitted through sexual contact or sharing IV drug needles, but can also infect someone through contact with infected blood. Sexual abstinence, safe sex practices, quitting IV drugs (or at least using clean needles), and proper safety equipment by clinicians and first responders can drastically reduce transmission rates for HIV/AIDS.
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AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection. Symptoms and signs of AIDS include pneumonia due to Pneumocystis jiroveci, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, seizures, weakness, meningitis, yeast infection of the esophagus, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) is used in the treatment of AIDS.
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
<http://www.hiv.va.gov/vahiv?page=treat-drug-Prezista>