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DARUNAVIR

About

DARUNAVIR belongs to a class of antiretroviral drugs called protease inhibitors primarily used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection in adults and children aged 3 years and above weighing at least 15kg. HIV is a virus that targets the immune system, primarily white blood cells. HIV destroys white blood cells and reduces a person's resistance to infections.

DARUNAVIR contains Darunavir that works by inhibiting a protein called protease, which is required by virus-infected cells to generate new viruses. As a result, DARUNAVIR reduces the amount of HIV in the body. Thereby, helps improve the immune system and lowers the risk of developing any illness related to HIV infection.

Take DARUNAVIR with food. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on your medical condition. In some cases, DARUNAVIR may cause certain common side effects such as headache, nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Most of these side effects do not necessitate medical treatment and fade away with time. Please check with your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.

Consult your doctor before taking DARUNAVIR if you are pregnant. Due to the risk of HIV transmission, women infected with HIV are recommended not to breastfeed. DARUNAVIR may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. DARUNAVIR should not be given to children below 3 years of age or weighing below 15kg as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may cause increased dizziness. Keep your doctor updated about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions.

Uses of DARUNAVIR

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection.

Medicinal Benefits

DARUNAVIR falls under the category of antiretroviral agents. It is primarily used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection in adults and children aged 3 years and above weighing at least 15kg. DARUNAVIR works by inhibiting a protein enzyme called protease, which is required by virus-infected cells to generate new viruses. As a result, DARUNAVIR reduces the amount of HIV in the body. Thereby, helps improve the immune system and lowers the risk of developing any illness related to HIV infection.

Directions for Use

Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of DARUNAVIR

  • Diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dyspepsia
  • Flatulence
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Drowsiness
  • Numbness
  • Tingling or pain in hands or feet
  • Difficulty falling asleep

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Please do not take DARUNAVIR if you are allergic to any of its constituents or if you have severe liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, infections, haemophilia, musculoskeletal problems, rash, kidney or liver impairment. Consult your doctor before taking DARUNAVIR if you are pregnant. Due to the risk of HIV transmission, women infected with HIV are recommended not to breastfeed. DARUNAVIR may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. DARUNAVIR should not be given to children below 3 years of age or weighing below 15kg as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may cause increased dizziness. While taking this medication, you can still pass on HIV, though the risk is reduced by effective antiretroviral therapy. Discuss with your doctor the precautions you should take to avoid infecting others. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms of infection or inflammation. Keep your doctor updated on your health condition and medications to rule out any negative effects or adverse events.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interactions: DARUNAVIR may interact with similar category antiretroviral medications (e.g. emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide, etravirine), medicines used to treat high blood pressure (e.g. diltiazem), medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction (e.g. avanafil), medicines used to treat allergy symptoms (e.g. astemizole, terfenadine), medicines used to help you sleep and/or relieve anxiety (e.g. triazolam, midazolam), medicines used to treat stomach conditions (e.g. cisapride), medicines used to treat migraine headaches (e.g. ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergometrine), medicines used to treat certain heart disorders (e.g. quinidine, ranolazine, amiodarone), medicines used to treat high blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation (e.g. sildenafil), anticoagulant medications (e.g. dabigatran, ticagrelor), and herbal medicine used to treat depression (e.g. St. John's wort).

Drug-Food Interactions: As a precautionary measure, limit consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor before taking DARUNAVIR if you have/had severe liver problems, haemophilia (bleeding disorder), hepatotoxicity (a chronic liver disease), and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:

  • EMTRICITABINE
  • TENOFOVIR ALAFENAMIDE
  • ETRAVIRINE
  • DILTIAZEM
  • AVANAFIL
  • ASTEMIZOLE
  • TERFENADINE
  • TRIAZOLAM
  • MIDAZOLAM
  • CISAPRIDE
  • ERGOTAMINE
  • DIHYDROERGOTAMINE
  • ERGOMETRINE
  • QUINIDINE
  • RANOLAZINE
  • AMIODARONE
  • SILDENAFIL
  • DABIGATRAN
  • TICAGRELOR
  • ST JOHN'S WORT
  • Safety Advice

    • Safety Warning

      Alcohol

      caution

      It is unknown whether consuming alcohol with DARUNAVIR is safe. However, it is best to avoid or limit alcohol consumption as a precaution.

    • Safety Warning

      Pregnancy

      caution

      If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, please seek medical advice. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

    • Safety Warning

      Breast Feeding

      caution

      Breastfeeding should be avoided by HIV-infected mothers due to the risk of HIV transmission.

    • Safety Warning

      Driving

      caution

      DARUNAVIR may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Drive or operate heavy machinery only if you are alert.

    • Safety Warning

      Liver

      caution

      Please consult your doctor if you have liver problems. Avoid taking DARUNAVIR if you have severe liver impairment.

    • Safety Warning

      Kidney

      caution

      Limited data is available regarding the usage of DARUNAVIR in patients with kidney impairment, therefore, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

    • Safety Warning

      Children

      caution

      DARUNAVIR is not recommended for children younger than 3 years of age or weighing below 15kg.

    Habit Forming

    No

    Diet & Lifestyle Advise

    • Take care of your mental health. Fear and anxiety can hamper the immune system as well. Therapy, yoga, and meditation effectively provide peace of mind.
    • Spending time with family or doing whatever makes you happy might help minimise emotional and physical stress.
    • Never exchange personal objects that have been contaminated with bodily fluids or blood, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
    • Never share used needles, other injection or drug equipment as it may spread viruses.
    • Use condoms for safe sex; it helps to reduce contact with sperm and vaginal fluids.
    • Other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis, can make you more susceptible to HIV infection.
    • Consume a well-balanced diet. Include vitamin and nutrient-rich foods like dark-green, yellow, orange, red vegetables and fruits to enhance your immune system. Choose lean protein and whole carbohydrates over-processed foods.

    Special Advise

    • Monitoring liver function before and during medication, especially in individuals with underlying chronic hepatitis, or cirrhosis.
    • Glucose levels should be monitored. During post-marketing surveillance, hyperglycemia has been found in HIV-infected patients receiving protease inhibitor medication.
    • It is essential that you do not miss or skip any doses while on treatment. If you miss a dosage of DARUNAVIR, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose. Avoid double dosing.

    Patients Concern

    Disease/Condition Glossary

    HIV infection: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages immune system cells and impairs your ability to fight infections and diseases. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition, and there is no definite cure. However, it can be controlled by treatment with antiretroviral drugs. 

    FAQs

    DARUNAVIR works by inhibiting protease enzyme that is essential for the reproduction of the human immunodeficiency virus. Thereby, it prevents the production of the new human immunodeficiency virus. Thus, DARUNAVIR lowers virus load in the body and helps treat the infection.

    Some patients taking antiretroviral combination therapy may develop osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to loss of blood supply to the bone). If you experience joint ache, pain, stiffness, or difficulty movement, consult your doctor.

    In some cases, DARUNAVIR may cause a rash, especially when used in combination with raltegravir. A rash is generally mild to moderate. However, occasionally it may become severe. Please inform your doctor if you develop a rash.

    DARUNAVIR might increase sugar levels in the blood, therefore, consult your doctor before taking DARUNAVIR if you are diabetic. You are advised to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly while taking DARUNAVIR.

    Do not stop taking DARUNAVIR without consulting your doctor as it may reduce the effectiveness of anti-HIV therapy. Continue taking DARUNAVIR for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you to treat your condition effectually. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking DARUNAVIR.

    Available Medicines for

    DARUNAVIR

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