Posted: 01/27/2016

What Are Booster Drugs for HIV?

Hiv aids drug

Antiretroviral (ARV) booster drugs for HIV increase the efficacy of the antiretroviral medications that are needed to slow and control the virus by inhibiting its replication. ARV booster drugs are necessary because the liver quickly breaks down and metabolizes antiretroviral drugs, which means that they are only effective for a short period of time before they are broken down by enzymes. When levels of these drugs are too low in the body, they can’t effectively fight HIV. HIV booster drugs work by blocking the liver enzymes that cause the medications to break down. Some common HIV booster drugs include ritonavir and cobicistat. Cobicistat was just approved in 2014 and is sold under the name Tybost. A new drug called Prezcobix was approved in 2015 and is a combination of the booster cobicistat and the antiretroviral drug darunavir.

Because ARV booster drugs inhibit certain liver enzymes, they are especially dangerous when mixed with some street drugs and other prescription drugs. When these enzymes are inhibited, the liver’s capabilities to metabolize these other substances is also impaired. Methamphetamines and other uppers are especially of concern when combined with booster drugs, as well as benzodiazepines and medications for erectile dysfunction.

Before starting treatment with an ARV booster medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription drugs you are currently taking, as well as any supplements. Because of the way they work, these drugs can interfere with the breakdown of a number of substances, possibly causing toxic levels in the body.


Prezcobix Pill Bottle and Logo

Prezcobix is a combination HIV booster drug that contains the protease inhibitor drug darunavir and the antiretroviral booster drug, cobicistat. The right combination of antiretroviral drugs and a booster drug varies by patient.  Some patients benefit greatly from the ease of taking one pill per day instead of two or more. Prezcobix only needs to be taken once daily. The cost of this medication is high, around $1500 for a month’s supply. However the drug manufacturer, Janssen, offers a patient savings program that can lower the cost to as little as $0 per month. HelpRx also provides a coupon and discount card that can reduce the retail price of Prezcobix by as much as 75%.

By HelpRx Staff Writer

About the HelpRx.info Blog

HelpRx.info is staffed by experts in the prescription medication industry. Get the latest health, medical news and pharmaceutical news that can save you money and allow you to take charge of your healthcare. With frequent updates about the prescription drug industry as well as medicine news, you'll gain an insider look into the industry and learn more about how to get the best price on your prescriptions while not sacrificing quality.

About HelpRx

Our discounts provide you access to negotiated prices on your prescription drugs at your local pharmacy. We can provide these because we're partnered with OptumRx, a BIG pharmacy benefit provider that provides prescription coverage for MILLIONS of people like you.

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About the HelpRx.info Blog

HelpRx.info is staffed by experts in the prescription medication industry. Get the latest health, medical news and pharmaceutical news that can save you money and allow you to take charge of your healthcare. With frequent updates about the prescription drug industry as well as medicine news, you'll gain an insider look into the industry and learn more about how to get the best price on your prescriptions while not sacrificing quality.

About HelpRx

Our discounts provide you access to negotiated prices on your prescription drugs at your local pharmacy. We can provide these because we're partnered with OptumRx, a BIG pharmacy benefit provider that provides prescription coverage for MILLIONS of people like you.

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About Our Savings:

HelpRx.info is a discount pharmacy service, partnered with a leading pharmacy benefit manager. We negotiate lower prices on prescription medications, that we pass on to our members for free. There is no cost to use our cards and coupon, and anyone can take advantage of our discounts, regardless of healthcare coverage.

Our savings assurance of “up to 75% off” comes from historical data from actual claims. This data includes savings for both brand name and generic medications.