DARUVIR 800 TABLET

🧬💊🛡️ Darunavir 800mg Tablet: A Powerful Protease Inhibitor for HIV Management

Darunavir 800mg is a protease inhibitor (PI) class antiviral medication used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It is commonly prescribed as part of a combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimen. Darunavir is designed to inhibit HIV replication by targeting and blocking the protease enzyme, which the virus needs to process proteins for new virus particles. Its high barrier to resistance, once-daily dosing, and efficacy against drug-resistant HIV strains make it a key choice in managing chronic HIV.

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🔬 Mechanism of Action

Darunavir binds to the active site of the HIV-1 protease enzyme, preventing it from cleaving viral polyproteins. This interruption stops the formation of mature, infectious virus particles, thus reducing viral load and helping restore immune function.

• Blocks protease enzyme → virus can’t replicate effectively

• Inhibits maturation of virus particles

• Helps maintain long-term suppression of HIV

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📌 Indications and Uses

Darunavir 800mg is indicated for:

• Treatment of HIV-1 infection in treatment-naïve or treatment-experienced adults and adolescents (above 3 years and weighing at least 40 kg)

• Always used in combination with other antiretroviral agents

• Often boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat to increase drug levels

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💊 Dosage and Administration

• Recommended dose:

  • 800mg once daily, with 100mg ritonavir or 150mg cobicistat

  • Take with food to enhance absorption

• Always follow the complete prescribed regimen; do not skip doses

• For patients with resistance, lower doses (600mg twice daily) may be used under physician guidance

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⚠️ Precautions and Warnings

• Not a cure for HIV but helps suppress viral load and progression to AIDS

• Must be used with a boosting agent

• Caution in patients with severe liver disease

• Monitor liver enzymes and blood sugar during therapy

• May cause immune reconstitution syndrome—a temporary worsening of symptoms as the immune system recovers

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🤒 Side Effects

Common:

• Nausea, diarrhea

• Headache

• Rash

• Fatigue

• Abdominal pain

Serious (Rare):

• Liver toxicity (jaundice, dark urine)

• Allergic reactions

• High blood sugar or diabetes onset

• Lipodystrophy (fat redistribution)

• Increased cholesterol or triglyceride levels

Discontinue use and seek medical help in case of severe rash, allergic symptoms, or hepatitis signs.

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🔄 Drug Interactions

Darunavir interacts with several medications, especially those metabolized by CYP3A4:

• Contraindicated with:

  • Rifampin, St. John’s Wort

  • Midazolam, triazolam (risk of serious sedation)

• Use with caution:

  • Statins, blood thinners, anticonvulsants

Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements.

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🧊 Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature (20–25°C)

• Protect from moisture and keep in original container

• Keep out of reach of children

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📝 Conclusion

Darunavir 800mg is a cornerstone protease inhibitor that plays a crucial role in modern HIV therapy. It offers strong viral suppression, excellent resistance profile, and flexible dosing when combined with boosters. As part of a complete HIV regimen, Darunavir helps improve quality of life, reduce transmission, and delay progression to AIDS, making it an essential tool in the global fight against HIV.

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Always follow your doctor’s advice, dosage instructions, and never self-medicate.