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Uses

What is Isentress used for?

Isentress (raltegravir) is commonly used for the treatment of HIV (in combination with other medicines).

Isentress may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Isentress work (mechanism of action)?

People with HIV have a virus that spreads in their body and damages the immune system, making it easier for them to get very sick from other infections. Isentress works to help stop the spread of HIV in your body. This helps protect and preserve the immune system and can prevent the virus from being spread to other people.

How is Isentress supplied (dosage forms)?

Isentress is available as Isentress and Isentress HD in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 25 mg chewable tablets
  • 100 mg chewable tablets
  • 400 mg oral tablets
  • 600 mg oral tablets
  • 100 mg packets of powder for oral suspension

How should I store Isentress?

Oral Tablet and Chewable Tablet. Isentress oral tablets and chewable tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the Isentress bottle tightly closed in the original container after you open it. This is because it has a desiccant that will protect the medicine from moisture and keep it dry. Do not remove the desiccant from the bottle.

Powder Packet for Oral Suspension. Isentress powder packs for oral suspension should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in the original container. Do not open the powder packets until they are ready to be used. 

 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Isentress?

The most common side effects of Isentress are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Feeling tired

There may be other side effects of Isentress that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Isentress?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Isentress are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Muscle Problems. Isentress can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking Isentress and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

  • Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
  • Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Fever
  • Muscle cramps
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting

Immune System Changes. When you start Isentress, your immune system might get stronger and start fighting infections that have been hiding inside your body for a long time. The type of symptoms you may have will depend on the infection. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following new symptoms of infection. 

  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Vision problems
  • Confusion, problems talking, or headache
  • Skin problems such as a painful rash or warts
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Weakness or coordination problems 

Severe Skin Reactions. Isentress can cause severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop Isentress and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Severe Allergic Reactions. Isentress may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Sometimes these reactions can affect other organs, such as your liver. Stop taking Isentress and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction or liver damage.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Isentress?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Isentress.

  • Isentress
  • Raltegravir
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Isentress.

What should I know about Isentress before using it?

Do not take Isentress unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Isentress tablets should be swallowed whole. If you are prescribed Isentress chewable tablets or packets of powder for oral suspension, ask your healthcare provider about how to properly prepare and take your dose.

Do not share Isentress with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

While Isentress can help keep the HIV infection under control (when used with other medicines), it does not cure it. Also, Isentress does not help protect against or prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

Keep Isentress out of the reach of children.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Isentress?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Isentress is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems, including dialysis
  • History of muscle aches or disorders

Other Medicines and Supplements. Isentress may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Isentress, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Isentress could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Isentress, you can register for the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry by visiting www.apregistry.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of HIV medicines during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding. Do not take Isentress while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if Isentress passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. There may be risks with breastfeeding while taking Isentress and having HIV.

Phenylketonuria (PKU). Isentress chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for people with phenylketonuria (PKU). Tell your healthcare provider and your pharmacist if you have PKU and are prescribed Isentress chewable tablets.

How can I get more information about Isentress?

For more information about Isentress, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.isentress.com or call them at 800-622-4477. 

Interactions

Does Isentress interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Isentress and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Isentress.

Does Isentress interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Isentress.

  • An antacid or supplement containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Any other medicine for HIV or AIDS
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine used to control seizures
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Phenobarbital, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • Any medicine to lower cholesterol

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Isentress. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Isentress. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Isentress?

If you or someone else has used too much Isentress, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Isentress?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Missing doses of Isentress can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses.