Darunavir Tablets and ZoDex

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

Using dexamethasone together with darunavir may alter the effects of both medications. Contact your doctor if you experience thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex. In addition, combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with protease inhibitors may increase the plasma concentration and pharmacologic effects of dexamethasone. The proposed mechanism is protease inhibitor-mediated inhibition of CYP450 3A4, the isoenzyme involved in the metabolic clearance of dexamethasone. Ritonavir has been reported to increase dexamethasone systemic exposure (AUC) by more than threefold. In one case report, an HIV patient who had been receiving long-term dexamethasone therapy for thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura developed spinal epidural lipomatosis four months following the initiation of ritonavir. Although the patient was already cushingoid as a result of chronic dexamethasone administration, he did not have symptoms of myelopathy until after ritonavir was added. The effect of dexamethasone on the clearance of protease inhibitors has not been established. Theoretically, plasma levels of protease inhibitors may decrease due to dexamethasone induction of their metabolism by CYP450 3A4. This may lead to a loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance to protease inhibitor-containing antiretroviral regimens; however, data are not available. These interactions may also be seen with cobicistat, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor that solely acts as a pharmacokinetic booster in antiretroviral treatment regimen; however, data are not available.

MONITOR: Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone may cause hypokalemia and potentiate the risk of QT and/or PR interval prolongation associated with the use of certain protease inhibitors such as atazanavir, lopinavir-ritonavir, and saquinavir-ritonavir. The risk of torsade de pointes arrhythmia, bradycardia, and heart block may be increased.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if dexamethasone must be used concomitantly with protease inhibitors or cobicistat. Some authorities advise against concomitant use unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk. Adrenal function should be monitored regularly during chronic use of these agents, and dexamethasone dosage adjusted as necessary. Patients should be monitored for symptoms of hypercorticism (e.g., acne, easy bruising, moon face, edema, hirsutism, buffalo hump, skin striae, glucose intolerance, and irregular menstruations), immunosuppression, and osteoporosis. In addition, it may be appropriate to monitor patients for potentially reduced antiretroviral response following initiation or any dosage increase of dexamethasone. Serum potassium and ECG monitoring should also be considered during coadministration of dexamethasone with certain protease inhibitors in accordance with the product labeling.

Darunavir Tablets

Generic Name: darunavir

Brand name: Prezista

Synonyms: Darunavir

What is Darunavir Tablets?

ZoDex

Generic Name: dexamethasone

Brand name: ZoDex, Baycadron, Dexamethasone Intensol, DexPak 10 Day Taperpak, DexPak 13 DayTaperpak, DexPak 6 DayTaperpak, De-Sone LA, Dexacen-4, Dexasone, Dexasone LA, Solurex, Solurex LA, Decadron, DexPak, TaperDex, Zema-Pak, Zonacort

Synonyms: n.a.

What is ZoDex?