Indications
Isentress is a prescription medication used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 40 kg. It is given in combination with other antiretroviral drugs and contains the active ingredient raltegravir, which is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor that prevents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from replicating in the patient's body.
Isentress is not a cure for HIV but can help control the virus and improve the patient's quality of life by reducing the risk of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other complications associated with HIV infection.
Uses and Dosage
Isentress comes as a tablet to take by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole, and do not split or crush it unless directed by your doctor. You should avoid using antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium while taking the tablet, as these can make raltegravir work less well.
Continue taking Isentress exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take Isentress oral regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to the development of drug-resistant HIV.
The recommended dosage of Isentress (raltegravir) can vary depending on factors such as the individual's medical condition and other medications they may be taking.
- For adults, the recommended dosage is typically 400 milligrams (mg) twice daily, taken by mouth with or without food. However, in certain cases, such as when coadministered with rifampin, the dosage may be increased to 800 mg twice daily.
- For children weighing 25 kilograms (kg) or more, the recommended dosage is 400 mg twice daily, while for those weighing less than 25 kg, the recommended dosage is based on body weight.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Isentress (Raltegravir):
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth sores
- Nausea
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Stomach pain
- Tired feeling
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Serious Side Effects of Isentress (Raltegravir):
- Anxiety
- Burning in your eyes
- Clay-colored stools
- Cold sores
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry cough
- Extreme tiredness
- Fever
- General ill feeling
- Hives
- Impotence
- Irritableness
- Loss of interest in sex
- Menstrual changes
- Muscle or joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Night sweats
- Prickly feeling
- Problems with balance or eye movement
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Skin pain
- Sores on your genital or anal area
- Swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Swollen glands
- Tenderness
- Weakness
- Wheezing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Form and Strength
Isentress (Raltegravir) is available in the following forms and strength:
Isentress: Tablet
- 400 mg
Caution
- Isentress should not be taken by patients with a known hypersensitivity to any components of the product. It should also not be used with some drugs that may interact with it.
- Isentress can interact with some drugs, so patients should always inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking before starting on Isentress.
- Isentress should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, and it is not recommended during breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk.
- Isentress can affect liver function, so patients with liver disease or abnormal liver function should be closely monitored.
- Isentress can interact with some drugs, so patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking before starting on Isentress.
- Rarely, Isentress can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
- Risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis: Isentress should be used with caution in patients at increased risk of these conditions, such as patients taking certain medications or with underlying muscle disorders.
- When starting Isentress, patients may experience worsening of infections they already have or the development of new infections, as the immune system recovers from the effects of HIV infection.
- Depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts or actions: Isentress may be associated with these symptoms, especially in patients with a history of depression or other mental illness.
- Isentress can cause kidney problems, so patients with kidney disease or reduced kidney function should be closely monitored.
- Isentress may be associated with this condition, which is the death of bone tissue due to reduced blood flow.
- Isentress has not been extensively studied in pediatric populations, so it should be used with caution in these patients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Isentress a cure for HIV?
No, Isentress is not a cure for HIV, but it can help control the virus and improve the patient's quality of life by reducing the risk of developing AIDS and other complications associated with HIV infection.
How is Isentress taken?
Isentress is taken orally, usually twice daily with or without food.
How effective is Isentress?
Isentress has been shown to be effective in reducing the amount of HIV in the blood and increasing the number of CD4+ T cells, which are important for the immune system.
Can Isentress be taken with food?
Yes, Isentress can be taken with or without food.
Resources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/022145s029lbl.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-149324-1036/isentress-oral/raltegravir-oral/details
- https://www.isentress.com/
- https://www.drugs.com/isentress.html
- https://www.rxlist.com/isentress-drug.htm
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89a5ec53-d956-4329-8004-0f40f51c88a3
REVIEWS