Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medication conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Prezista.
Allergies: People who are allergic to sulfonamide medications may experience an allergic reaction to darunavir. Advise your doctor of any allergies to any medications before taking darunavir.
Bleeding: Darunavir may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.
Blood tests: Darunavir can cause changes in your blood test results, such as red blood cell count, platelet count, cholesterol level, and sugar level. Your doctor will explain these to you and monitor your blood levels.
Diabetes: Antiretroviral medications such as darunavir may increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Prezista may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Prezista, and whether any special monitoring is required.
Fat redistribution: Over time, Prezista may change how fat is distributed in your body and may change your body shape. You may notice increased fat in the upper back and neck, breast, around the back, chest, and stomach area. Or you may notice loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face. The long-term effects of this are not known.
Immune reconstitution syndrome: Prezista may cause immune reconstitution syndrome, where signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections appear. These symptoms occur soon after starting anti-HIV medications and can vary. They are thought to occur as a result of the immune system improving and being able to fight infections that have been present without symptoms, such as pneumonia, herpes, or Tuberculosis. Report any new symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Liver problems: People with severe liver disease should not take darunavir. If you have mild to moderate liver disease, you can take Prezista and should discuss with your doctor how Prezista may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Prezista, and whether any special monitoring is required.
There have been reports of serious liver problems while taking darunavir. People with liver problems (including hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection) are at a greater risk of experiencing serious liver problems while taking Prezista. Your doctor will monitor you and perform liver function tests regularly while you are taking Prezista. If you experience symptoms of liver problems (e.g., abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine), contact your doctor immediately.
Pancreatitis: Prezista may cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). If you have a history of or are at risk for developing pancreatitis, you should be closely monitored by your doctor while taking Prezista. Discuss with your doctor how Prezista may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Prezista, and whether any special monitoring is required.
If you develop signs of pancreatitis (e.g., upper left abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen), contact your doctor.
Skin rashes: Prezista can cause skin rash, which is usually mild and moderate. However, darunavir can cause severe skin reactions. If you develop a skin rash with fever, fatigue, blisters, muscle aches, or sores in and around the mouth, stop taking Prezista and contact your doctor immediately.
Stopping the medication: If you stop taking Prezista, your HIV infection could get worse. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not stop taking the medication without checking with your doctor first.
Pregnancy: The medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Prezista, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if darunavir passes into breast milk. However, since HIV can be transmitted by breast milk, women who have HIV are advised not to breast-feed.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Prezista have not been established for children less than 3 years of age or for children who have not taken any antiretroviral medication in the past. Prezista should not be given to children less than 3 years old due to the increased risk of severe side effects.
