Isentress

Uses of Isentress

Isentress belongs to a group of antiretroviral drugs that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Isentress is medication used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Raltegravir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Isentress is for use in adults and children who weigh at least 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms). Isentress HD 600mg tablets are for use in adults, and in children weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kg).

Precautions and Warnings

Isentress may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Before using Isentress, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a muscle disorder, kidney disease, or liver disease.

HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during pregnancy. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

You should not take Isentress HD film-coated tablets if you weigh less than 88 pounds (40 kilograms).

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

To make sure Isentress is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a muscle disorder or muscle damage;
• high blood levels of an enzyme called creatine kinase (a sign of muscle damage);
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease; or
• mental illness or depression.

Dosage

The Isentress dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using Isentress to treat
• your age
• the form of Isentress you take
• other medical conditions you may have

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• headache
• trouble sleeping
• nausea
• fatigue (lack of energy)
• dizziness