Isentress (Raltegravir)

Isentress (Raltegravir) is a newer type of HIV Drug known as an integrase inhibitor. It can be used to treat HIV infection in adults and children aged 4 weeks and older. Raltegravir works by blocking the actions of an enzyme called integrase which prevent the virus from multiplying and reducing the amount of HIV in the body. Isentress (Raltegravir) is always taken along with other HIV medications.

Dosage and AdministrationIsentress comes in a pack of 60 film-coated tablets, each containing 400mg of the active ingredient Raltegravir.

Follow the dosing instructions as provided by your doctor when this medicine was prescribed.

Isentress 400mg is not a chewable tablet. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets. It can be taken with or without food.

Side effectsSee above (Warning and Precautions) for serious side effects and complications that can occur when taking Isentress.

Other side effects that can occur include:

• Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), a condition that sometimes occurs when the immune system begins to recover after treatment with an HIV medicine. As the immune system gets stronger, it may have an increased response to a previously hidden infection.
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. This may be a sign of a rare but serious muscle problem that can lead to kidney problems.

If you notice any other side effects, or feel generally unwell due to this medicine, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

PrecautionsRaltegravir can cause serious and potentially fatal side effects including skin reactions, allergic reactions and kidney problems.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice skin redness, a spreading rash or blistering and peeling of the skin.

Also tell your doctor if you develop a rash along with:

• fever
• general ill feeling
• extreme tiredness
• muscle or joint aches
• blisters or sores in your mouth
• blisters or peeling of your skin
• redness or swelling of your eyes
• swelling of your mouth or face
• trouble breathing

If you are allergic to Raltegravir this can cause life-threatening liver damage. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs of liver damage:

• yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• dark-colored urine
• light-colored bowel movements
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area