Raltegravir Tablets
Generic name: Raltegravir Tablets [ ral-TEG-ra-vir ]
Brand name: Isentress
Drug class: Integrase strand transfer inhibitor
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2024.
Uses of Raltegravir Tablets:
- It is used to treat HIV infection.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Raltegravir Tablets?
- If you have an allergy to raltegravir or any other part of this medicine (raltegravir tablets).
- If you are allergic to this medicine (raltegravir tablets); any part of this medicine (raltegravir tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you are taking any of these drugs: Carbamazepine, etravirine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, or tipranavir/ritonavir.
- If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this medicine (raltegravir tablets).
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (raltegravir tablets).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (raltegravir tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Raltegravir Tablets?
For all patients taking this medicine (raltegravir tablets):
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (raltegravir tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- This medicine is not a cure for HIV. Stay under the care of your doctor.
- This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors.
- If antacids are used, they may need to be taken at some other time than this medicine (raltegravir tablets). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (raltegravir tablets) while you are pregnant.
Children:
- Not all products are meant for use in all children. Talk with the doctor before giving this medicine (raltegravir tablets) to a child.
- If giving this medicine (raltegravir tablets) to your child and your child's weight changes, talk with the doctor. The dose of this medicine (raltegravir tablets) may need to be changed.
How is this medicine (Raltegravir Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (raltegravir tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food.
- Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- Keep taking this medicine (raltegravir tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
- It is important that you do not miss or skip a dose of this medicine (raltegravir tablets) during treatment.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.
Related/similar drugs
Biktarvy, Descovy, Cabenuva, Truvada, lamivudine, abacavir, tenofovir disoproxil, Atripla, Stribild, Epzicom
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Feeling very tired or weak.
- Muscle weakness.
- A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
- Changes in your immune system can happen when you start taking drugs to treat HIV. If you have an infection that you did not know you had, it may show up when you take this medicine (raltegravir tablets). Tell your doctor right away if you have any new signs after you start this medicine (raltegravir tablets), even after taking it for several months. This includes signs of infection like fever, sore throat, weakness, cough, or shortness of breath.
What are some other side effects of Raltegravir Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Trouble sleeping.
- Headache.
- Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
- Upset stomach.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Raltegravir Tablets?
- Store in the original container at room temperature.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (raltegravir tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about raltegravir
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (18)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: integrase strand transfer inhibitor
- Breastfeeding
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