Generic name: raltegravir [ ral-TEG-ra-veer ]
Brand names: Isentress, Isentress HD

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 24, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Isentress HD?

Isentress HD is an antiviral medicine that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

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

Isentress HD is for use in adults and children who weigh at least 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms).

Isentress HD may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Isentress HD side effects

Stop taking Isentress HD and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: fever, general ill feeling, tiredness, joint or muscle pain, trouble breathing; upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes; burning eyes, blisters or mouth sores; rash, hives, blistering or peeling skin; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, Isentress HD can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.

Isentress HD affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have:

• signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;

• trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or

• swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.

Common side effects of Isentress HD may include:

• nausea;

• headache, dizziness;

• tired feeling; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Biktarvy, Descovy, tenofovir, Atripla, Stribild, Complera, Epzicom

Warnings

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: fever, joint or muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, burning eyes, mouth sores, rash, blistering or peeling skin, or swelling in your face or throat.

Before taking this medicine

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.

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.

Isentress HD chewable tablets contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

It is not known whether Isentress HD will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Isentress HD.

HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby. Use your medications properly to control HIV.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine. 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.

How should I take Isentress HD?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take Isentress HD with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break a regular tablet. Swallow it whole.

The Isentress HD chewable tablet may be chewed or swallowed whole.

Isentress HD oral suspension is a powder that must be mixed with water before you take it.

The smaller, 25-milligram chewable tablet may be crushed and mixed in a cup with a teaspoon of liquid such as water, juice, or breast milk.

Use mixed medicine right away. Do not save it for later use.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

If a child is using this medicine, tell your doctor if the child has any changes in weight. Isentress HD doses are based on weight in children, and any changes may affect your child's dose.

Use all HIV medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Keep the chewable tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Isentress HD?

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb Isentress HD.

Using Isentress HD may not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

What other drugs will affect Isentress HD?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Isentress HD, especially:

• fenofibrate or gemfibrozil;

• rifampin;

• HIV or AIDS medicine--etravirine, ritonavir, tipranavir, zidovudine;

• seizure medicine--carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin; or

• a "statin" cholesterol-lowering medicine--Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Vytorin, Zocor, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Isentress HD. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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