Key facts about Isentress
What is Isentress?
Isentress is the brand name for raltegravir and is available as an oral tablet, chewable tablet, and an oral suspension.
What dosages is Isentress available in?
Isentress is available as a 400 mg oral tablet, a 25 mg and 100 mg chewable tablet, and a 100 mg oral suspension.
What is Isentress used for?
Isentress is a HIV ARV and is used for the following:
- HIV treatment
- HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
How does Isentress work?
Isentress is an integrase inhibitor. Integrase is an enzyme that the HIV virus uses to enter your cells and make more copies of itself. When integrase is stopped, the virus cannot grow and spread.
How do I take Isentress?
Isentress is typically dosed as follows:
- Adults: The typical dose is 1 tablet (400 mg) twice daily OR for the HD tablet, 2 tablets (1200 mg) once daily
- Children: The dose is based on the child’s weight
Is it safe for me to take Isentress?
Isentress is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Isentress Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Isentress:
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea
Isentress Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Isentress. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Muscle pain/damage (rhabdomyolysis)
- Allergic or severe skin reaction (severe rash, face swelling difficulty breathing)
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Isentress
The following medications may interact with Isentress:
- Coadministration of Isentress or Isentress HD and other drugs may alter the plasma concentration of raltegravir. The potential for drug-drug interactions must be considered prior to and during therapy
- Coadministration of Isentress or Isentress HD with drugs that are strong inducers of UGT1A1, such as rifampin, may result in reduced plasma concentrations of raltegravir
Who makes Isentress?
Merck & Co., Inc.
Is Isentress safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Isentress can harm your unborn baby. Isentress should only be used during pregnancy if the benefit to you is worth the possible risk to your baby.
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1- 800-258-4263.
