Prezista: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

The absence of a cure may be a disturbing thought for someone who has just been diagnosed with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). However, the availability of antiretroviral drugs makes it easier to manage and treat the infection. Gone are the days when HIV was considered equivalent to a “death sentence”. Due to medical advances over the years, treating one of the world’s most deadly infections is much easier. One of these drugs is called Prezista. Check out what it is below and how it can help manage HIV.

What is Prezista?

Prezista is a prescription medicine that provides medical care for people with HIV. It treats and controls HIV infection. It is a part of a class of drugs called protease inhibitors, which works by preventing HIV’s replication activity throughout the body. This is the same medicine that prevents the advancement of the infection into a more complicated condition known as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Like other antiretroviral drugs, Prezista helps decrease the HIV load in the body. It boosts the immune system to function better in fighting against the infection. This process lowers an infected individual’s susceptibility to HIV complications. Additionally, constant consumption of Prezista can help improve the quality of life.

Prezista is prescribed in combination with Ritonavir, another antiviral medicine specifically designed for HIV treatment. Ritonavir boosts the levels of Prezista, which helps the latter work better in its functions. The combination of these drugs inhibits a certain enzyme that HIV uses to make more copies of itself.

You can purchase Prezista under the generic name Darunavir.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not take Prezista if you are allergic to it. Note that this medicine can cause a severe skin reaction. Consult your healthcare professional at once if you experience symptoms like skin rashes, mouth sores, and redness in the eyes.

Besides skin allergies, this medicine can also cause severe liver problems. Its symptoms can include jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), lack of appetite, and dark-colored urine. Call for immediate medical help when these reactions occur to you.

To ensure that Prezista is safe to use, tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Hemophilia (bleeding disorder)
• Hepatitis B or C
• Kidney disease

Like other antiretroviral drugs, Prezista can interact with other medicines you are currently taking. Drug interaction can be dangerous and make your treatment for HIV less effective. Ensure you inform your healthcare professional of other medications you are taking.

Dosage

Before receiving a prescription with Prezista, your healthcare professional will check on some factors. These are as follows:

• Age and weight
• Medical history
• Other forms of drugs you currently take

Once all of these are checked, a standard dosage will be provided that you need to follow daily. Below is the recommended dosage for adults and children.

For adults:

• For treatment-naïve patients, the required dosage is 800 mg Prezista and 100 mg Ritonavir. Take this medicine once daily with food.
• For treatment-experienced patients, the required dosage is 600 mg Prezista and 100 mg Ritonavir. Take this medicine twice daily with food.

For children:

• The prescription for pediatrics will depend on their weight. If this particular group of patients cannot take the tablet form of Prezista, the oral suspension dosage is available for them to use.

How to take Prezista?

Besides the prescription, it is necessary to read the leaflet available with the product. Follow the instructions provided before taking this medicine. If you are using the oral suspension, carefully read the directives on the leaflet.

Take Prezista orally with food. It should be taken with other medications once or twice daily. If you are using the tablet form of this medicine, avoid crushing or breaking it. Swallow the tablet whole.

If, in any case, you forget to take your dose for the day, skip it if it’s almost time for your next dose. Furthermore, you can set the alarm to notify you of your daily Prezista treatment.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomachache
• Headache
• Skin rashes
• Dizziness

Severe side effects:

• Peeling of the skin
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Itchiness
• Muscle pain
• Irritated eyes
• Skin lesions
• Chills
• Cough
• Trouble breathing
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Fast heartbeat
• Heartburn