Symtuza (Cobicistat/Darunavir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir) is a prescription medication used to treat HIV-1(Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1) infection in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with a weight of at least 40 kg. HIV-1 is the most common type of HIV. It is a virus that attacks the body's immune system by destroying the cells that are supposed to help the body fight the infection. The active ingredients in Symtuza are Cobicistat, Darunavir, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir. Darunavir belongs to a class of drugs called protease inhibitors. Cobicistat is an enhancer of Darunavir. Emtricitabine and Tenofovir belong to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Symtuza works by reducing the amount of HIV-1 in your body to improve your immune system and reduce your risk of developing illnesses associated with HIV infection. Symtuza is not a cure for the infection.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Symtuza from Canada, manufactured by Janssen-Cilag (currently unavailable). The generic Cobicistat/Darunavir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Symtuza. The most common side effects of Symtuza may include the following:
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Flatulence;
• Headache;
• Skin rash;
• Vomiting
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Anemia;
• Severe rash;
• Severe swelling of the skin;
• Signs of a new infection
These are not all of the side effects of Symtuza. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Symtuza if you are allergic to Cobicistat, Darunavir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir, or any ingredient in Symtuza. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have an autoimmune disorder;
• Have diabetes;
• Have hemophilia;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have muscle or bone problems;
• Have severe liver problems
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Symtuza and other medicines, like bosentan, rifabutin, oxcarbazepine, verapamil, betamethasone, artemether, etc. Avoid salmeterol, naloxone, fentanyl, or tadalafil with Symtuza. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if Symtuza will harm your unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Symtuza may pass into breast milk and it may affect a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended in women living with HIV as the infection can pass to your baby through breast milk. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Symtuza is a tablet. Swallow the tablets whole with water, milk, or any nutritional drink. Do not crush or chew. Always take the drug with food. You must eat a meal within 30 minutes before taking the drug. Take this drug at around the same time each day to help you remember. If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the drug, take another dose. If you vomit more than one hour after taking the medicine, you don't need to take another dose. Do not stop taking Symtuza without talking to your doctor. Stopping your drug suddenly may increase the amount of virus in your blood. Symtuza can cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Do not use this drug after 6 weeks of first opening the bottle. Store this drug at room temperature in its original container. Keep the bottle tightly closed out of the reach of children.