Isentress (Raltegravir)

Isentress (Raltegravir) Medication Information:

What is Isentress (Raltegravir)?

Isentress is a prescription medication used in combination with other HIV-1 medications to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children weighing at least 4.4 pounds (2 kg).

What is Isentress (Raltegravir) used for?

Raltegravir is used with other HIV drugs to help control HIV infection. It helps in the reduction of HIV infection in your body, allowing your immune system to function more effectively. This reduces your risk of HIV complications (such as new infections and cancer) while also improving your quality of life.

How does Isentress work?

Raltegravir is an antiretroviral drug used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It is a type of integrase inhibitor. The drug inhibits the activity of HIV-1 integrase, which impedes the insertion of HIV-1 DNA into the host cell genome. It blocks the virus from growing and infecting more cells.

Directions:

How to take Isentress (Raltegravir)?

It is an oral tablet that is taken by mouth with or without food. It is generally suggested to take this medicine once or twice daily based on your treatment plan. Follow your doctor's instructions while taking Isentress. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Do not crush, chew, break, or open the capsule; instead, swallow it whole.

What is the different dosage available?

The dosage is available as 400mg, and 600mg oral tablets.

What is the recommended dosage?

The recommended dosage is 800-1200mg per day, administered in the morning or night. However, the frequency and dose may vary depending on the psychiatric condition being treated.

What is the maximum dosage?

The recommended starting dose is 1200mg per day which is administered as two 600mg oral tablets once in the daytime based on your treatment and medical condition. It is advised for patients who are virologically suppressed or have been on initial treatment of 400mg tablets twice a day.

What if you forget to give a dose of Isentress?

As soon as you recollect, take the missed dose. If the next dose is approaching, skip the missing dose and return to your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a double dose.

Isentress Precautions:

What should you know about Isentress (Raltegravir) before you start taking it?

• When taking this drug, do not consume antacids that include aluminum or magnesium. Antacids can make raltegravir less effective.
• You must continue to take this (and other HIV medications) strictly as your doctor recommends. Make sure you don't miss any doses.
• Do not increase your dosage or take this medication more frequently or for longer than recommended. Your condition will not improve any faster, and you will be more susceptible to side effects.
• Don't stop taking the medicine (or other HIV drugs) even for a short period. as this may increase the amount of virus present and/or make treating the illness more difficult (resistant).

Isentress Side Effects:

What are the side effects of Isentress (Raltegravir)?

• A headache, nausea, or difficulty in sleeping are a few commonly seen side effects.
• Serious side effects include weight loss, severe exhaustion, a weakness that doesn't go away, severe or recurring headaches, joint pain, numbness of the hands/feet, visual problems, or signs of infection.

Isentress Drug Interactions:

Does this medication interact with other drugs, foods, or alcohol?

When taking this drug, don't take antacids that include aluminum or magnesium. Antacids can make raltegravir less effective.

Storage:

How should this medication be stored?

Other Important Information:

• Make sure no one else uses this medication without any prescription.
• When you start taking his medication, your immune system may change.
• Inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including any allergies or pregnancy, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• Inform your doctor in advance about your medical history, especially if you have liver disease (such as hepatitis B or C), muscle diseases, or elevated creatine kinase levels in your blood.

FAQs:

Is it safe to drink alcohol while on Isentress?

There are no warnings about avoiding alcohol while taking Isentress because it does not affect how the medicine works. If Isentress makes you sleepy or dizzy, avoid drinking alcohol as it may worsen these side effects.

How often should you take Raltegravir?

For oral administration in an adult, it is recommended as 400mg twice a day. The dose can be changed by a physician from 800mg (two 400mg tablets) for some individuals based on their medical conditions.

Is Isentress safe with other medications?

Do not begin taking a new medication without first consulting your physician. Inform your doctor about any prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements if you are using them.

How does Isentress work?

Isentress is an integrase inhibitor, which is a type of HIV-1 medication. It inhibits the enzyme, which is required for HIV-1 replication. When combined with other HIV-1 medications, Isentress may help to lower the quantity of HIV-1 in your blood.

Who should not take Isentress?

Isentress should not be used by children who weigh less than 4.4 pounds (2 kg). Females who are pregnant breastfeeding or planning to do so should also consult a doctor before taking it.