Raltegravir, Oral ral-TEG-ra-veer

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: integrase strand transfer inhibitor (anti-HIV)

Generic and brand names: raltegravir, oral; Isentress Tablets

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat HIV-1 infection. It is usually taken with other medicines.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• kidney problems that require dialysis
• phenylketonuria (PKU). The chewable tablet contains phenylalanine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not stop taking this medicine or change your dosage unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider. Do not let your medicine run out. The amount of virus in your blood may increase if you stop the medicine, even for a short time.

Take this medicine with other medicines your healthcare provider prescribes.

You may take the medicine with or without food. However, if you take it with a meal, do not eat foods high in fat because they may affect the way this medicine works.

What if I miss a dose?

Do not miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. You may continue to get illnesses associated with advanced HIV infection, including other infections. There is no evidence that this medicine will reduce the risk of spreading HIV through sexual contact or blood contamination.

You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

If you develop hives, an itchy rash, blisters, or peeling skin, stop taking the medicine and contact your provider right away.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Blistering rash or rash with fever, muscle aches, or fatigue; depression or thoughts of suicide; swelling, burning, tickling, or tingling of the mouth, lips, hands, or feet.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, dizziness, headache.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antiseizure medicines such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), clonazepam (Klonopin), ethosuximide (Zarontin), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), lamotrigine (Lamictal), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene)
• other medicines to treat HIV such as abacavir (Ziagen), atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), indinavir (Crixivan), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), nelfinavir mesylate (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase), tenofovir (Viread), and zidovudine (AZT)
• natural remedies such as garlic, melatonin, red yeast rice, or St. John's Wort
• rifabutin (Mycobutin)
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.