Darunavir/Cobicistat (By mouth)
dar-UE-na-vir, koe-BIK-i-stat
Treats HIV infection. HIV causes AIDS. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.
Drug classes
Antiretroviral Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Darunavir and cobicistat combination is used together with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Darunavir and cobicistat combination will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. It helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay problems that are usually related to AIDS or HIV disease from occurring. This medicine will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have other problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose and it has been less than 12 hours, take the missed dose right away. If you miss a dose and it has been more than 12 hours, wait and take the next dose at your usual time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
You must avoid many other medicines while you are using darunavir with atazanavir. These medicines used together could cause serious health problems, including death. Medicines you must avoid include the following: alfuzosin, cisapride, colchicine, dronedarone, lovastatin, lurasidone, midazolam, pimozide, ranolazine, rifampin, sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension, simvastatin, St John’s wort, triazolam, and ergot medicines (such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine).
There are many other drugs that can interact with this medicine. Ask your doctor before you use any other medicine.
If you also take didanosine, take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to darunavir or cobicistat.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, hemophilia, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.
Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Severe liver problems Serious skin reactions New or worsening kidney problemsYour immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. Sometimes the immune system will start to fight infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Increased thirst, blurred vision, tiredness, headache
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, waist, or face
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Prezcobix
There may be other brand names for this medicine.