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Home > Drug Category > Anti-retro viral medications > Prezista and Equivalent

Prezista Information

Prezista (Darunavir) is used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is a virus that attacks the cells that help the body fight infection. This makes a person more likely to get sick from other infections. Prezista is not used alone. This drug is used in combination with ritonavir and other antiviral medications to control HIV. Ritonavir helps Prezista work better and last longer in your body. Prezista is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Protease inhibitors like Darunavir work by blocking an enzyme (protease) that HIV needs to make copies of itself. This decreases the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This improves your quality of life and lowers your chances of getting HIV-related complications like new infections and cancer.

Prezista Side Effects

The most common side effects of Prezista may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and stomach pain. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Severe or persistent headaches;
• Severe tiredness;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, trouble breathing, cough, swollen lymph nodes, non-healing skin sores;
• Unexplained weight loss

Prezista Precautions

Do not use Prezista if you are allergic to Darunavir or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have diabetes, heart problems, hemophilia, lipid problems, liver problems, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Prezista and other medications, such as atorvastatin, amlodipine, clonazepam, metformin, tramadol, trazodone, etc. Avoid taking cisapride, alfuzosin, rifampin, sildenafil, or dronedarone with Prezista. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Prezista. Using HIV medications like Prezista as prescribed during pregnancy can control your infection and prevent the virus from infecting a newborn baby. To prevent pregnancy while using Prezista, use a barrier form of birth control like a condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. Prezista can make hormonal birth control less effective, including skin patches, implants, birth control pills, injections, etc. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Prezista. Women with HIV should not breastfeed. The virus can pass to your baby through your breast milk.

Do not use this medicine in children younger than 3 years old or weighing less than 22 pounds. Darunavir doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Always take Prezista and ritonavir together. Prezista comes as a tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it. This medicine works best when taken with food. Use all HIV medications as directed. Do not change your dose or stop using a medicine without your doctor's advice. You will need frequent medical tests while using this medicine. Store Prezista at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Prezista?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Prezista.