PREZCOBIX (DARUNAVIR/COBICISTAT)

Your Doctor May Recommend Prezcobix as Part of Your HIV Treatment

Whether you have taken HIV drugs before or not, you can ask your doctor if Prezcobix would be helpful as part of your drug regimen, as long as you do not have any drug resistant mutations associated with Darunavir. Drug resistance is the reason why people with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are usually prescribed 3 or 4 drugs in case the virus has mutated and become resistant to one of the drugs you are taking. The remaining drugs will still continue to interfere with the virus in order to decrease the amount of HIV in your blood, referred to as your viral load.

How Prezcobix Works

Darunavir is called a protease inhibitor (PI) that works by blocking protease, an HIV enzyme. Protease is in charge of cutting up HIV proteins in order to make new HIV particles. By blocking the protease enzyme, the cells cannot produce new viruses so your viral load will decrease.

Cobicistat is called a pharmacokinetic enhancer, it is not an HIV drug and will not treat HIV. However, as a pharmacokinetic enhancer, Cobicistat will work with Darunavir (or Atazanavir) to interfere with its breakdown in your body so blood levels of Darunavir remain high and is effective for a longer time period.

Early Detection + Early Treatment = Better Life Expectancy

Risk factors for becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus include having multiple sex partners, unprotected sex, sharing needles among drug users, having an open cut that is exposed to an infected person’s blood, urine, or other body fluids. Symptoms of HIV infection usually begin about 2-6 weeks after you have been infected and you may experience a flu-like illness.

It could be several years before other symptoms appear, unless your immune system is compromised. With a healthy immune system, you are more likely to find out you have HIV when you are being treated for some other opportunistic infection. The sooner you are tested, diagnosed, and put on an HIV regimen, the better your outlook will be for a long lifespan.

Before Starting on Prezcobix

Ask your doctor if Prezcobix is safe to take if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or are breast feeding. Explain other medical conditions and allergies you have to your doctor and list any current over-the-counter and Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal preparations and vitamin or dietary supplements. This will help your doctor to determine if Prezcobix is the right HIV drug for you.

Proper Use of Prezcobix

Always keep your medications out of children’s reach and do not share Prezcobix with anyone else. Do not stop taking Prezcobix or start taking other meds without talking with your doctor as your viral load can quickly increase or you could experience adverse side effects. Until you know how Prezcobix will affect you, avoid driving or taking part in any activities that require you to be alert.

Possible Side Effects of Prezcobix

• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Headache

Call your doctor right away if you experience dark urine, vomiting, pale-colored stool, or a loss of appetite as this may indicate problems with your liver.