VIREM R TABLET

🧬🛡️💊 Darunavir 600mg + Ritonavir 100mg Tablet: Potent Protease Inhibitor Combo for HIV Management

Darunavir 600mg + Ritonavir 100mg is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication used in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. It belongs to the class of protease inhibitors (PIs) and is typically used as part of a combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimen to achieve and maintain viral suppression in HIV-positive adults and adolescents.

This combination is effective in reducing the amount of HIV in the body, improving immune function, and delaying the progression to AIDS. Ritonavir in the combination primarily acts as a pharmacokinetic booster, enhancing the efficacy of darunavir by increasing its plasma concentration.

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🔬 Mechanism of Action

• Darunavir inhibits the HIV-1 protease enzyme, which is essential for the viral replication cycle. By blocking this enzyme, it prevents the virus from producing mature infectious particles.

• Ritonavir, though itself a protease inhibitor, is mainly used in low doses to inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes in the liver, which significantly increases the blood levels of darunavir, thereby improving its effectiveness and allowing for less frequent dosing.

This dual action results in:

• Reduced viral load

• Increased CD4 cell counts

• Enhanced treatment durability

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📌 Indications and Uses

• Treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older weighing at least 40 kg

• Used in combination with other antiretroviral agents

• Effective in both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients

Note: This combination is not a cure for HIV, but helps manage the infection long-term.

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💊 Dosage and Administration

• Standard adult dose: 600mg Darunavir + 100mg Ritonavir twice daily with food

• Must be taken exactly as prescribed and at the same time each day

• Always combined with a background regimen of nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

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⚠️ Precautions and Warnings

• Liver disease: Use with caution in patients with hepatitis B or C; monitor liver function regularly

• Allergies: Contains sulfonamide – caution in sulfa-allergic patients

• Drug resistance: Non-adherence may lead to resistance

• Can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• May cause immune reconstitution syndrome, where latent infections emerge as immunity improves

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🤒 Side Effects

Common:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Headache

• Fatigue

Serious:

• Liver toxicity (jaundice, dark urine)

• Rash or hypersensitivity reactions

• Pancreatitis (rare)

• Lipodystrophy or changes in body fat distribution

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🔄 Drug Interactions

Due to ritonavir’s enzyme inhibition properties, this combination can interact with many drugs, including:

• Antiarrhythmics

• Anticonvulsants

• Sedatives (e.g., midazolam)

• Statins (e.g., simvastatin)

• Hormonal contraceptives (reduced effectiveness)

Always consult a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

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🧊 Storage Instructions

• Store at 20–25°C, protect from moisture and heat

• Keep out of reach of children

• Do not use past expiry date

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📝 Conclusion

Darunavir 600mg + Ritonavir 100mg tablet is a powerful antiretroviral combination that plays a vital role in HIV treatment regimens. It offers effective viral suppression with boosted potency, making it suitable for patients with drug resistance or prior treatment failure. When taken consistently with other antiretrovirals, it helps improve life expectancy and quality of life for people living with HIV.

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