Isentress (Raltegravir)

What is Isentress?

Isentress is an antiviral medicine. It belongs to the class of drugs known as Integrase Inhibitors.

What is Isentress used for?

Isentress is recommended for patients suffering from HIV, which can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, it is to be noted that Isentress does not cure HIV or AIDS.

How does Isentress work?

Isentress works by blocking the HIV integrase enzyme, which is required by the virus to multiply itself. The drug thus, prevents the HIV cells from expanding in the body, further.

How to use Isentress

Isentress should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Thus, carefully follow all instructions given on the prescription label.

The medicine can be taken with or without food, and this drug should be taken regularly, to yield maximum benefits.

One capsule of Isentress (400 mg) should be taken two times a day, and should be used with other anti-HIV medicines, as prescribed.

Isentress warnings and precautions

Isentress cannot prevent HIV from spreading; therefore, one should follow safe sex practices and should never share needles, toothbrushes, or razors, particularly, while taking Isentress.

This drug should neither be taken in larger amounts than prescribed, nor should it be taken for longer durations. Use the medication exactly as told by the doctor.

The dosage of Isentress should not be stopped immediately. Also, one should not alter the medication, without consulting the doctor.

Before taking this medication, give your medical history to the doctor, especially if you are suffering from any liver or kidney disease, muscle disorder, or any allergies, which you have or had been suffering from.

Lactating women are not recommended to take Isentress medicines, as it may cause harm.

These tablets should be stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from heat and moisture.

What do I do if I have missed a Isentress dose?

If you have missed your Isentress dose you should take it just as soon as you remember, but if it is already time for the next dose, do not take the missed one.

What do I do if I have taken a Isentress overdose?

If you have taken an Isentress overdose you should immediately consult your doctor.

Isentress interactions

There are various drugs that can interact with Isentress, like, rifampin, Phenobarbital, cholesterol medications, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin. Therefore, one must consult the doctor before taking these medicines with Isentress, concurrently.

Do not start taking any new medicine along with Isentress, without consulting your doctor.  Also, inform your doctor, if you are previously taking any other medicine like those of vitamins, minerals, herbal products, or other drugs.

Isentress side effects

• If the consumption of Isentress results in any kind of allergy, like hives, or breathing trouble, chills, sore throat, cough or flu symptoms, nausea or vomiting, frequent bleeding or bruising, pale skin, peeling and red rashes on skin, or swelling on face or lips, then consult the doctor, without delay.
• Other side effects of Isentress are headache with severe blistering, drowsiness, confusion, extreme thirst, uneven trips to urination, pain in lower back, depressing moods and some strange thoughts about hurting yourself.
• Also, after taking this medicine, one may undergo pain in stomach, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, muscle pains, tenderness, or weakness, after taking this drug. You must stop taking the drug and immediately consult your doctor, if any of these side effects are seen.