All you need to know about Darunavir Ritonavir

Darunavir:

It is a medication that belongs to a group of antiretroviral drugs called protease inhibitors, often referred to as ‘PIs’.

Darunavir is used in combination with other antiretrovirals for the treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 

Most of the people should be taken darunavir with the other drugs, either cobicistat or ritonavir. cobicistat and Ritonavir are a type of drug called a ‘pharmacokinetic enhancer’ which helps by boosting the levels of darunavir in your body. Without cobicistat or Ritonavir, darunavir will not be effective in order to control the virus. 

Ritonavir:

It is a protease inhibitor prescribed in order to inhibit the replication of the human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) in combination with some other antiretroviral medications or to increase blood levels of other protease inhibitors. It is available im multiple strengths including; Ritonavir 100mg, Ritonavir 50mg, etc.

How Should I Take Darunavir Ritonavir:

Take Darunavir Ritonavir at the same time every day as missing doses or taking doses late may lead to the development of drug resistance. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 6 hours of usual dose time. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose, and take your next dose at the usual time. We need to avoid two doses at the same time.
A patient can take this medication with a substantial snack, or up to 30 minutes after the main meal.

Side Effects of Darunavir and Ritonavir:

Like other medications, Darunavir and Ritonavir may also leave some side effects. Maximum of these side effects are minor and generally will settle within a few days or sometimes it could take up to weeks. 
Some most common side effects of Darunavir are as follows:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Allergic Skin Rash
• Stomach Pain or Gas 
• Darunavir may affect your liver and cause a change in liver function tests.

The most common side effects of Ritonavir are listed below:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach Pain
• Taste Changes
• Abnormal feelings in the hands, feet, or in and around the mouth.

If you experience any side effects, and either they are troubling you or you develop new symptoms after you start darunavir, tell your healthcare provider who will advise you on what to do. 
If you decide to stop taking darunavir, it is important that you tell your doctor first so that they can discuss other treatment options with you. 

Darunavir Ritonavir Dosage:

Darunavir 400mg and Ritonavir 50mg should be taken at the same time. Take this medication only as prescribed by your healthcare provider. In order to increase absorption and decrease side effects, Darunavir and ritonavir should be taken with food. Swallow tablets and capsules whole, do not chew. 

Darunavir is available in various strength:

Darunavir 800mg and, Darunavir 600mg.

How Does It Works: Darunavir is an Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council (DHHS) recommended treatment option for adults and adolescents, regardless of whether they have received HIV treatment in the past. 
The use of Darunavir with Ritonavir works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood.

Contraindications: Co-administration of Darunavir with the low doses of ritonavir, with active substances that are highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations, are associated with life-threatening events. These active substances include such as:

• Antiarrhythmics (amiodarone, bepridil, quinidine, systemic lidocaine).
• Alfuzosin
• Antihistamines (astemizole, terfenadine). 
• Ergot derivatives (e.g. dihydroergotamine, ergometrine, ergotamine, methylergonovine). 
• Gastrointestinal motility agents (cisapride)
• Neuroleptics (pimozide, sertindole)
• Quetiapine. 
• Sedatives/hypnotics [triazolam, midazolam administered orally (for caution on parenterally administered midazolam)].
• Sildenafil (when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension).
• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (simvastatin and lovastatin). 
   

What Should I Do In Missed Dose Circumstances: Antiretrovirals work best if there is a constant amount of the drugs in your body. It is really important that you take them regularly. However, occasionally you may forget to take a dose. Don’t worry if this happens and never take a double dose to make up for missing one. 
If you are facing problems in order to remember to take your medicines, speak with your healthcare provider now and they may be able to help you. 

Darunavir Ritonavir Cost: The cost of Darunavir Ritonavir is quite affordable. A respective patient can purchase it through any authorized pharmaceutical company after the prescription of their healthcare provider. 

Read:- List of HIV Medications