Allergic Reactions
Do not take Isentress if you are allergic to raltegravir or any ingredient in the medication.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe rash, or difficulty breathing.
Medication Interactions
Isentress can interact with certain medications.
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you take before starting treatment.
Some medicines can change how much raltegravir is absorbed or how quickly it is removed from the body.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Isentress.
Your provider will consider the benefits of keeping HIV well controlled and any potential risks when choosing your treatment.
Breastfeeding
People with HIV should discuss breastfeeding carefully with their healthcare provider.
Raltegravir may pass into breast milk, and recommendations may also depend on the risk of HIV transmission, the infant’s health, and local medical guidance.
Liver Problems
Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or abnormal liver test results.
Isentress can sometimes affect liver function, so your provider may recommend blood tests during treatment.
Severe Skin Reactions
Rarely, Isentress can cause serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop a severe or spreading rash, blistering, peeling skin, sores in the mouth, fever, or swelling of the face.
Muscle Problems
Isentress has rarely been associated with myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, which involve muscle injury.
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or dark-colored urine.
The risk may be higher if you already have a muscle disorder or take other medicines that can affect muscles.
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
When effective HIV treatment begins, the immune system may become stronger and start reacting to infections that were already present but not causing noticeable symptoms.
This is called immune reconstitution syndrome.
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop new or worsening symptoms after starting Isentress.
Mood or Behavior Changes
Changes in mood or behavior have been reported in some people taking raltegravir.
Tell your healthcare provider if you notice significant changes in mood, sleep, behavior, or thinking while taking Isentress.
Kidney Problems
Raltegravir is not mainly removed through the kidneys, so kidney disease does not usually require a routine dose adjustment.
However, tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, especially if you develop severe muscle symptoms that could affect kidney function.
Bone Problems
Cases of osteonecrosis, which is damage to bone tissue caused by reduced blood supply, have been reported in people receiving combination HIV treatment.
The condition can have several causes and is not specific to Isentress. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop persistent joint pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving.
Use in Children
Isentress can be used in certain pediatric patients, with the dose based on age, weight, and formulation.
Children should receive the exact product and dose prescribed by a healthcare provider because different raltegravir formulations are not automatically interchangeable.
Regular Monitoring
While taking Isentress, your healthcare provider may monitor your viral load, CD4 count, liver function, and overall response to treatment.
Regular follow-up helps make sure your HIV treatment continues to work safely and effectively.
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