Darunavir is used to treat HIV infection.

 

What is Darunavir?

Darunavir is an HIV protease inhibitor. It works by stopping the growth of the HIV virus.

 

How should Darunavir be taken?

Darunavir is administered orally in the form of tablets or suspension. It is typically taken in combination with another drug (ritonavir).

 

Side effects associated with Darunavir

Darunavir may increase immune reactions and cause severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). It can also reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives and alter the levels of sugars, lipids and triglycerides in the blood. Furthermore, it can increase bleeding associated with hemophilia.

 

Among the other possible side effects of darunavir include the following:

 

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Mild stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

 

It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:

 

  • Rash
  • Urticaria
  • Itch
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
  • Unusual hoarseness
  • Pain, inflammation or redness in the eyes
  • Fever
  • Muscle or joint aches
  • Severe headache or dizziness
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Liver problems
  • Pancreatitis
  • Unusual drowsiness, fatigue or weakness

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Darunavir

Darunavir is contraindicated in case of severe kidney problems and if you are being treated with: alfuzosine, boceprevir, cisapride, dronedarone, ergot derivatives, other HIV protease inhibitors, fluticasone (administered via inhalation), ivabradine, lovastatin, midazolam (taken via oral route), pimozide, rifampin, salmeterol, silodosin, simvastatin, St. John’s wort, tamsulosin, telaprevir, trizolam or sildenafil (taken against pulmonary hypertension).

 

In case of treatment with didanosine, you need to take this medication at least one hour before or two hours after taking darunavir.

 

Before starting treatment with darunavir, it is important to tell your doctor: if

 

  • You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other drugs (especially sulfa drugs) or food
  • You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: alfuzosine, boceprevir, cisapride, dronedarone, ergot derivatives, other HIV protease inhibitors, fluticasone, ivabradine, lovastatin, midazolam, pimozide, rifampin, salmeterol, silodosin, simvastatin, St. John’s wort, tamsulosin, telaprevir, trizolam and sildenafil
  • You are suffering (or have suffered) from liver problems, high cholesterol or high triglycerides, pancreatitis, infections, hemophilia, diabetes or hyperglycemia
  • You are suffering from or you have a family history of diabetes
  • You are pregnant or breast-feeding

 

It is important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with darunavir.