Darunavir: A Complete Overview for Patients

Darunavir is a prescription medication used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children aged 3 years and older. It belongs to a class of drugs called HIV protease inhibitors and is sold under the brand name Prezista.

Whether you've just been prescribed Darunavir or you're researching treatment options, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what it's used for and how to take it, to who shouldn't take it and how much it costs.

What Is Darunavir?

Darunavir (brand name Prezista) is an HIV protease inhibitor (PI) manufactured by Janssen Products, LP, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. It was approved by the FDA for the treatment of HIV-1 infection and is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications.

Darunavir is not a controlled substance. It's available in several forms:

Brand-Name Products

• Prezista — Darunavir alone (75 mg, 150 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg tablets; 100 mg/mL oral suspension)
• Prezcobix — Darunavir 800 mg combined with Cobicistat 150 mg in a single tablet
• Symtuza — A complete single-tablet regimen combining Darunavir 800 mg, Cobicistat 150 mg, Emtricitabine 200 mg, and Tenofovir Alafenamide 10 mg

Generic Versions

Generic Darunavir has been available since 2022 and is manufactured by multiple companies including Lupin, Mylan, Teva, Cipla, Aurobindo, and Dr. Reddy's. Generic tablets come in 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg strengths.

What Is Darunavir Used For?

Darunavir is FDA-approved for:

• Treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults — Used in combination with Ritonavir or Cobicistat (a booster) and other antiretroviral agents
• Treatment of HIV-1 infection in pediatric patients — For children aged 3 years and older weighing at least 10 kg (about 22 lbs)

Darunavir does not cure HIV. It works by reducing the amount of virus in your blood (viral load), which helps your immune system stay stronger and reduces the risk of HIV-related complications. For a detailed explanation of how Darunavir fights the virus, see our article on how Darunavir works.

How Is Darunavir Taken?

Darunavir must always be taken with two things: food and a pharmacokinetic booster.

The Booster Requirement

Darunavir doesn't work properly on its own — it needs a booster medication to reach effective levels in your blood. The two approved boosters are:

• Ritonavir (Norvir) — The original booster, taken as a separate pill
• Cobicistat (Tybost) — A newer booster option, also available combined with Darunavir in Prezcobix

Typical Dosing

• Treatment-naive adults (starting HIV treatment for the first time): Darunavir 800 mg once daily with Ritonavir 100 mg once daily
• Treatment-experienced adults (with no Darunavir resistance): Darunavir 800 mg once daily with Ritonavir 100 mg once daily
• Treatment-experienced adults with Darunavir resistance: Darunavir 600 mg twice daily with Ritonavir 100 mg twice daily
• Pediatric patients: Weight-based dosing at 35 mg/kg once daily with Ritonavir (for children weighing 10 to 40 kg)

Important Dosing Instructions

• Take with food — Food increases Darunavir absorption by approximately 30%. It doesn't matter what type of food, but don't take it on an empty stomach.
• Swallow tablets whole — Don't crush, break, or chew them.
• Oral suspension — Shake well before each dose. Use the supplied measuring device.
• Don't skip doses — Missing doses can lead to viral resistance, making the medication less effective.

Who Should Not Take Darunavir?

Darunavir is not recommended for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• Severe liver problems — Darunavir is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C).
• Known allergy to Darunavir or any of its ingredients. Darunavir contains a sulfonamide moiety, so let your doctor know if you have a sulfonamide allergy.

Darunavir also has serious interactions with several medications. You cannot take Darunavir with:

• Rifampin (dramatically lowers Darunavir levels)
• Lovastatin or Simvastatin (risk of muscle damage)
• Ergot alkaloids (risk of ergotism)
• Oral Midazolam or Triazolam (excessive sedation)
• Pimozide (cardiac rhythm risk)
• St. John's Wort (lowers Darunavir levels)

For a complete list, see our guide on Darunavir drug interactions.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Darunavir is FDA pregnancy category C — it should only be used during pregnancy if the benefit outweighs the risk. Breastfeeding is not recommended for people living with HIV due to transmission risk.

How Much Does Darunavir Cost?

The cost of Darunavir varies significantly depending on whether you use brand-name or generic, and whether you have insurance or discount coupons:

• Brand-name Prezista: $1,300 to $2,500 per month at retail
• Generic Darunavir (without coupons): $400 to $800 per month
• Generic Darunavir (with discount coupons): $60 to $150 per month through GoodRx, SingleCare, or similar programs

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans, state Medicaid programs, and Medicare Part D cover Darunavir — especially the generic version. Brand-name Prezista may be on a specialty tier with higher copays. Some plans may require prior authorization.

Savings Programs

• J&J withMe Savings Program — Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 copay for Prezista
• Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation (JJPAF) — Provides Prezista free for up to one year to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Apply at prezista.com or call 1-800-652-6227.
• Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (ADAP) — Provides medications for qualifying patients through state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs
• Additional programs — NeedyMeds, RxAssist, and the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation may also help

For a full breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Darunavir.

Final Thoughts

Darunavir has been a cornerstone of HIV treatment since its approval, and the availability of affordable generics has made it accessible to more patients than ever. If you've been prescribed Darunavir, make sure you understand how to take it correctly — always with food and a booster — and stay in close communication with your healthcare provider about any side effects or concerns.

Need help finding Darunavir at an affordable price? Visit Medfinder to compare pharmacies and find savings near you.