Darunavir

Please do not take Darunavir if you are allergic to any of its constituents or if you have severe liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, infections, haemophilia, musculoskeletal problems, rash, kidney or liver impairment. Consult your doctor before taking Darunavir if you are pregnant. Due to the risk of HIV transmission, women infected with HIV are recommended not to breastfeed. Darunavir may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Darunavir should not be given to children below 3 years of age or weighing below 15kg as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may cause increased dizziness. While taking this medication, you can still pass on HIV, though the risk is reduced by effective antiretroviral therapy. Discuss with your doctor the precautions you should take to avoid infecting others. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms of infection or inflammation. Keep your doctor updated on your health condition and medications to rule out any negative effects or adverse events.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Darunavir may interact with similar category antiretroviral medications (e.g. emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide, etravirine), medicines used to treat high blood pressure (e.g. diltiazem), medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction (e.g. avanafil), medicines used to treat allergy symptoms (e.g. astemizole, terfenadine), medicines used to help you sleep and/or relieve anxiety (e.g. triazolam, midazolam), medicines used to treat stomach conditions (e.g. cisapride), medicines used to treat migraine headaches (e.g. ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergometrine), medicines used to treat certain heart disorders (e.g. quinidine, ranolazine, amiodarone), medicines used to treat high blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation (e.g. sildenafil), anticoagulant medications (e.g. dabigatran, ticagrelor), and herbal medicine used to treat depression (e.g. St. John's wort).

Drug-Food Interactions: As a precautionary measure, limit consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor before taking Darunavir if you have/had severe liver problems, haemophilia (bleeding disorder), hepatotoxicity (a chronic liver disease), and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).

• Take care of your mental health. Fear and anxiety can hamper the immune system as well. Therapy, yoga, and meditation effectively provide peace of mind.
• Spending time with family or doing whatever makes you happy might help minimise emotional and physical stress.
• Never exchange personal objects that have been contaminated with bodily fluids or blood, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
• Never share used needles, other injection or drug equipment as it may spread viruses.
• Use condoms for safe sex; it helps to reduce contact with sperm and vaginal fluids.
• Other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis, can make you more susceptible to HIV infection.
• Consume a well-balanced diet. Include vitamin and nutrient-rich foods like dark-green, yellow, orange, red vegetables and fruits to enhance your immune system. Choose lean protein and whole carbohydrates over-processed foods.

• Monitoring liver function before and during medication, especially in individuals with underlying chronic hepatitis, or cirrhosis.
• Glucose levels should be monitored. During post-marketing surveillance, hyperglycemia has been found in HIV-infected patients receiving protease inhibitor medication.
• It is essential that you do not miss or skip any doses while on treatment. If you miss a dosage of Darunavir, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose. Avoid double dosing.