Isentress, also known as raltegravir, is a medication used in combination with other HIV medications to control the human immunodeficiency virus. Raltegravir reduces the amount of HIV in the body, which makes the body’s immune system work more efficiently. If your immune system is working properly then you may experience less HIV complications and have an improved quality of life. Raltegravir works by blocking the virus from growing and infecting more cells. This drug is not a cure for HIV and does not decrease your risk of spreading HIV to others.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food, typically once or twice a day.
• Take this medication whole and do not crush or split the tablet.
• Avoid using antacids and contain aluminum or magnesium with this drug.
• Do not skip any doses.
• Take this drug at evenly spaced times for best effect.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• If you have a personal or family history of liver disease, muscle disorders, high blood levels of creatine kinase.
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This drug should be used when clearly needed because expectant mothers with HIV may be taking this drug to lower the risk of passing HIV to their baby. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Breast milk transmits HIV, so do not breastfeed.

You may also experience changes in body fat while you are taking this medication, such as increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas and decreased fat in the arms and legs.

Common side effects of Isentress include but are not limited to:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of raltegravir.

• Joint pain
• Vision changes
• Signs of an overactive thyroid
• Non-healing skin sores
• Unexplained weight loss
• Kidney problems
• Persistent nausea/vomiting

How long do I have to take Isentress?

Isentress is a long-term treatment for those with HIV. Isentress is used as a daily part of your HIV treatment.