Prezista Information  E-mail

What is Prezista?


Prezista is an anti-HIV medication that is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors.  It contains the active ingredient Darunavir Ethanolate.  It is not a cure for HIV but it does help to limit HIV's ability to  multiply in the body.

How does Prezista Work?


When HIV infects the cells in a person’s body, it copies its genetic code into the cells DNA.  This reprograms the cell to create new copies of HIV.  To make new copies of the virus, the cell uses a scissor-like enzyme called protease to cut up and put together genetic material.  Prezista blocks the protease enzyme, thus preventing the cell from producing new viruses.

Does Prezista Cure HIV?


Prezista is not a cure for HIV infection or AIDS.  It is still possible that patients who use Prezista will get opportunistic infections (OI’s).  Pneumonia, herpes virus and mycobacterium avium complex are just some of the OI’s that can occur when the immune system is weakened.  If you are taking Prezista, you should be seeing your doctor on a regular basis.

Is Prezista Right For You?


You should always talk with a healthcare professional to decide whether or not Prezista is right for you.  It is not recommended that you take Prezista if you are allergic to any of it’s ingredients.  

The active ingredient of Prezista is Darunavir Ethanolate.  The inactive ingredients are:

  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • colloidal anhydrous silica
  • crospovidone
  • magnesium stearate
  • Opadry®Orange (Lefebvre 2005).

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider?


Before you start taking Prezista, inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Liver Disease
  • An allergy to sulfa drugs
  • Hemophilia
  • Diabetes

Prezista is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.  However you should still inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.  HIV can be passed to a fetus during pregnancy if the mother is not properly treated.  HIV positive mothers should not breast-feed their baby as they could pass the virus through breast milk.

Using Prezista


You should always take the amount of Prezista that your doctor prescribed.  Do not change the dose or stop taking the medication without discussing it with your doctor.  

Prezista must be taken two times a day with another antiviral medication called ritonavir.  Both drugs must be taken with food or they will not work as well.  

It is important not to miss a dose of you medication as that can increase drug resistance.  If you do miss a does then take that dose immediately, unless it is time for your next dose.  Then you can just skip the missed dose and take your next one.
 
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