darunavir Health Article

Generic name(s):

darunavir

Brand name(s):

Prezista

What is the most important information I should know about darunavir?

Do not take darunavir with astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), terfenadine (Seldane), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine, and others. These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking darunavir.

There are many other medicines that can interact with darunavir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Taking darunavir will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

What is darunavir?

Darunavir is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. Darunavir prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Darunavir is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Darunavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Darunavir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking darunavir?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to darunavir.

Do not take darunavir with astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), terfenadine (Seldane), or ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine). These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking darunavir.

Before taking darunavir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease (especially hepatitis or cirrhosis);

• diabetes;

• a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; or

• high cholesterol or triglycerides.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category B. Darunavir is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.

Taking darunavir together with birth control pills can make the darunavir less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking darunavir. You should not breast-feed while you are using darunavir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.