Intelence (etravirine) Tablets

Intelence is a prescription antiretroviral medicine used as part of combination therapy for HIV-1. This listing supports US shipping from Canada and includes a pathway for people paying cash without insurance. The details below explain how the medication works, typical use patterns, and key safety points to review with a licensed healthcare professional.

What Intelence Is and How It Works

This medicine contains etravirine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), which is a type of antiviral used to help control HIV-1. Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme the virus uses to copy itself. By blocking that enzyme, etravirine helps reduce viral replication when taken with other HIV medicines as part of a complete regimen.

Because HIV can develop resistance, this therapy is not used alone. It is usually selected when a regimen needs an NNRTI option, often based on treatment history and resistance testing. Prescriptions are confirmed with the prescriber before any medication is dispensed.

Why it matters: HIV treatment choices often depend on resistance patterns and drug interactions.

Who It’s For

Etravirine is used to treat HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral medications. It is not a cure for HIV, but it can help keep the virus controlled so the immune system can function better. Care teams typically consider prior HIV treatment exposure, current lab results (like viral load and CD4 count), and any known drug resistance when deciding whether an NNRTI-containing regimen is appropriate.

This medication may not be appropriate for people with a known hypersensitivity to etravirine or any component of the tablet. Some drug combinations may be avoided due to interaction risks, and certain health conditions—such as underlying liver disease—may require closer monitoring. For broader context on HIV care topics and terminology, the HIV Hub is a browseable collection of related materials.

Dosage and Usage

Dosage depends on the full regimen, prior treatment history, and other clinical factors. In adults, a common labeled schedule for etravirine is twice daily dosing taken after a meal, because food can affect absorption. Intelence should be taken exactly as prescribed and continued as part of the full combination plan, even when symptoms are not present.

Tablets are typically swallowed whole with liquid. For people who have difficulty swallowing, labeled directions may allow dispersing tablets in water and then drinking the mixture right away; this method should be followed carefully to ensure the full dose is taken. Missed-dose instructions can differ by regimen, so it’s important to follow the official directions provided with the prescription and avoid “doubling up” unless specifically instructed by a clinician.

For related regimen background and adherence considerations, these guides may help frame questions for appointments: Beginners Guide To Biktarvy and Lifestyle Changes With Biktarvy.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as film-coated tablets for oral use. Intelence is commonly available in 100 mg and 200 mg tablet strengths, and the prescribed strength and tablet count will depend on the regimen and dosing plan. Availability can vary by pharmacy partner and current sourcing channels, so the exact presentation provided may differ while keeping the same active ingredient and labeled strength.

The table below summarizes the typical presentations people see for etravirine tablets.

Quick tip: Keep tablets in the original container to reduce moisture exposure.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store etravirine tablets at controlled room temperature and protect them from moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and follow any package instructions about desiccants (drying agents) included with the container. Avoid storing medication in humid areas such as bathrooms, and keep it away from excessive heat or direct sunlight.

For travel, carry the medication in its original packaging to help with identification and to preserve labeling instructions. If a dose needs to be taken with food, planning meals or snacks during travel can help maintain the intended routine without changing the regimen. When crossing time zones, clinicians often suggest keeping dosing intervals consistent; the best approach depends on the overall antiretroviral schedule and should be confirmed with the prescribing team.

Side Effects and Safety

Like many antiretrovirals, this medicine can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects may include rash, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and headache. Some people notice fatigue or changes in sleep. Many side effects are manageable, but any new or worsening symptom should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially when multiple HIV medications are started or changed at once.

Intelence has important safety warnings related to severe skin reactions and hypersensitivity. Seek urgent medical care for a widespread rash, blistering, peeling skin, mouth sores, facial swelling, fever, or trouble breathing. Liver problems can also occur with some antiretroviral therapies, so clinicians may monitor liver enzymes, particularly in people with hepatitis coinfection or pre-existing liver disease. Medications are supplied through licensed Canadian partner pharmacies.

To learn how effectiveness and tolerability are discussed for other HIV regimens (as a reference point for reading medication information), see Biktarvy Effectiveness Overview.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Etravirine can interact with many prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements. Some interactions can lower antiretroviral levels (raising the risk of treatment failure), while others can increase levels (raising side effect risk). Interaction checks are especially important when other antivirals, seizure medicines, antibiotics, antifungals, anticoagulants, or hormone-containing therapies are involved.

Interaction checks that matter

Before starting or changing therapy, clinicians typically review a complete medication list, including vitamins and herbal products. St. John’s wort is a common example of a supplement that can affect drug metabolism and is often avoided with antiretroviral regimens. Alcohol and recreational substances can also complicate adherence and liver health. If another prescriber adds a new medication, it is helpful to mention that an NNRTI is part of the HIV regimen so the team can screen for metabolism-based interactions and adjust the overall plan if needed.

For additional reading on how one HIV medication is positioned among other options, this overview can provide useful context: Tenvir EM Compared.

Compare With Alternatives

Within HIV care, alternatives depend on treatment goals and resistance testing. Other NNRTIs may be considered in some regimens, and many people use different drug classes such as integrase inhibitors or protease inhibitors. The “best fit” is individualized and can change if resistance develops, side effects appear, or interacting medications are needed for other conditions.

Intelence is a treatment medication for HIV-1 and is not the same as HIV prevention (PrEP) options. For reference, the prevention medicine cabotegravir has a different role and dosing form; related listings include Apretude and Apretude Injectable Suspension. These are not substitutes for antiretroviral treatment regimens and should not be swapped without clinician oversight.

If learning about other HIV medicines helps when discussing options, this guide may be useful background reading: Aptivus How It Works.

Pricing and Access

Access requirements are straightforward: a valid prescription is needed, and the prescription details must match the intended regimen. Many people compare overall costs when coverage is limited, and Intelence may be obtained on a cash-pay basis for those without insurance. If available, updates and limited-time programs are listed on the Current Promotions page.

BorderFreeHealth coordinates fulfillment through partner pharmacies and supports cross-border access when documentation is complete. Ships from Canada to US once the prescription is verified and order requirements are met. Cash-pay options can help when coverage is unavailable.

For general education around staying engaged in care and community resources, see HIV Testing Day Guide and the research discussion in Metformin And HIV Research.

Authoritative Sources

For the most reliable, label-based details—especially contraindications, interaction tables, and warnings—use official sources and review them with a clinician. These references can also help when reconciling medication lists across different clinics and pharmacies.

FDA product labeling and regulatory details are available here: Drugs@FDA Intelence overview.

NIH Clinicalinfo provides patient-focused drug information here: NIH etravirine patient drug record.

To place an order or upload prescription details, select the option that matches the prescription and choose prompt, express shipping.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.