Antiretroviral (Protease Inhibitor)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Darunavir is an antiretroviral (anti-HIV) medicine that works by blocking an enzyme called protease, which HIV needs to multiply in your body, helping to reduce the amount of virus in your blood and keep your immune system stronger.
Inhibits HIV protease enzyme, preventing the cleavage of viral polyproteins and resulting in the production of immature, non-infectious viral particles. This blocks viral replication and reduces plasma HIV RNA levels.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Darunavir must always be taken together with another medicine called ritonavir or cobicistat — these 'booster' drugs help darunavir work properly. For adults who have not used HIV medicines before, the usual dose is one 800 mg tablet once daily with 100 mg ritonavir, taken with food. For those who have used HIV drugs before, it may be 600 mg twice daily with 100 mg ritonavir each time, both taken with food. Always take it with a meal — food helps your body absorb the drug properly. Your doctor will tell you the exact dose based on your treatment history. Common brands in Nigeria include Prezista, Durart, and Jyna Darunavir.
If you miss a dose and it is within 6 hours of when you should have taken it, take it immediately with food and ritonavir. If more than 6 hours have passed, skip that dose and take the next one at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Always buy darunavir from a licensed pharmacy — never from roadside vendors or unverified sources, as fake HIV drugs are dangerous and can lead to drug resistance. Never stop taking your HIV medication on your own, even if you feel fine — stopping can cause the virus to become harder to treat. Do not share your HIV medicines with anyone else, even if they also have HIV, as their treatment plan may be different.
Do not take darunavir with rifampicin (commonly used for TB treatment in Nigeria) as it drastically reduces darunavir's effectiveness. Avoid using with herbal remedies like St. John's wort as they can lower the drug level in your blood. Alcohol should be limited as it can worsen liver side effects, especially when combined with ritonavir.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Darunavir with your other drugs?
Darunavir may be used during pregnancy under close medical supervision to prevent passing HIV to the baby, but you must consult your doctor — do not start or stop it on your own, and discuss breastfeeding options with your doctor as HIV can be passed through breast milk.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be hot, so avoid storing near windows or in cars. Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture and always out of the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
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