Prezista vs. Prezcobix for HIV Treatment: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Prezista (darunavir) and Prezcobix (darunavir/cobicistat) are both medications used to treat HIV infections, but they have some key differences. Prezista is taken with a booster like ritonavir (Norvir) to help it work better, while Prezcobix already includes a booster, cobicistat, in the same pill. This makes Prezcobix more convenient since it combines two medications into one tablet. Prezista can be used in children as young as 3 years old, whereas Prezcobix is only for people weighing at least 88 pounds. Prezista is available as both a tablet and an oral suspension, which can be helpful if you have trouble swallowing pills, but Prezcobix is only available as a tablet. Both medications need to be taken with food and can cause similar side effects like rash and liver problems. However, Prezcobix is not recommended during pregnancy, while Prezista can be used safely during pregnancy.

Prezista

(darunavir)

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Prezcobix

(darunavir / cobicistat)

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Summary for Prezista

Prescription only

Prezista (darunavir) is an oral tablet or suspension that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It's often taken in combination with a "booster," like ritonavir (Norvir), to help Prezista (darunavir) work better against the virus. Rarely, this medication can cause a skin rash within the first month of treatment, but it typically goes away on its own. Lastly, let your provider know if you have a history of sulfa allergy since Prezista (darunavir) contains a "sulfa" component.

Indications for Prezista

Treatment of HIV infection in people aged 3 years and older

Pros and Cons for Prezista

Pros

Taken once a day by mouth
Available as an oral suspension, so it's convenient if you have trouble swallowing pills
Safe to take during pregnancy

Cons

Requires regular blood work and lab tests
Interacts with many medications
Must be used carefully in people with sulfa allergies

Common Side Effects for Prezista

Diarrhea (9-14%)
Rash (6-7%)
Nausea (4-7%)
Headache (3-7%)
Stomach pain (6%)
Vomiting (2-5%)

Side effects above were reported in adults taking this medication with ritonavir (Norvir). Side effects might differ in children.

Warnings for Prezista

Liver problems
Severe skin and allergic reactions
Changes in body fat
Overactive immune system
Bleeding
Interactions with other medications

Summary for Prezcobix

Prescription only

Prezcobix (darunavir / cobicistat), also known as DRV/COBI, is an antiretroviral (ARV) medication that treats HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections in people who weigh at least 88 pounds. It's typically taken with other HIV ARVs to make up a complete treatment regimen. Prezcobix (darunavir / cobicistat) is an oral tablet that's taken once daily. It's important to take the medication every day to prevent HIV drug resistance (when HIV medications no longer work). A side effect of Prezcobix (darunavir / cobicistat) is a skin rash that appears within the first month of treatment, but it typically goes away on its own.

Indications for Prezcobix

Treatment of HIV infection in adults and children weighing at least 88 pounds

Pros and Cons for Prezcobix

Pros

Taken once a day by mouth
Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
Safe to use in adults and children weighing at least 88 pounds

Cons

Interacts with many medications, such as certain statins and blood thinners
Must be used carefully in people with sulfa allergies
Not recommended during pregnancy (being pregnant can cause the medication to work less well)