Symtuza is a medication that combines four different drugs into one convenient pill for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents. This combination therapy includes darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide, all of which work together to help control the virus and improve the immune system.
Darunavir is a protease inhibitor that helps to prevent the virus from replicating, while cobicistat boosts the effectiveness of darunavir by increasing its levels in the blood. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide are both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that work to block the virus from multiplying in the body.
Symtuza is taken once daily with food and is typically well-tolerated by most patients. However, like any medication, it may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, headache, or fatigue. It is important to discuss any concerns or side effects with your healthcare provider.
It is crucial to take Symtuza exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider to ensure its effectiveness in controlling the virus. Missing doses or stopping the medication prematurely can lead to the virus becoming resistant to treatment.
If you have any questions about Symtuza or HIV treatment in general, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the information and support you need to manage your condition effectively. Remember, with proper treatment and care, HIV can be managed, allowing you to live a healthy and fulfilling life.