What is Isentress? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Isentress

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Chewable tablet: You may chew or swallow the tablet whole. If you have trouble chewing the 25-mg chewable tablet: Place the tablet in a clean cup and add 5 milliliters (ml) of liquid (including water, juice, or breast milk).Use a spoon to crush any remaining tablet and take the medicine right away.You may add another 5 ml of liquid if any part of the medicine is left in the cup, mix and drink right away.

• Film-coated tablet: Swallow the tablet whole.

• Suspension: Dissolve one single-use packet in 10 milliliters (mL) of water.Mix the medicine by swirling the mixing cup carefully and slowly in a circle for 45 seconds. Do not shake the cup.Use the dosing syringe that comes with the package to measure the right dose.Take the dose within 30 minutes after you mix the liquid medicine.Throw away any remaining liquid medicine.

• Do not change the dose or stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the chewable tablets and film-coated tablets in the original package with the bottle tightly closed. Do not open the foil packet of powder for suspension until you are ready to use it.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the chewable tablets and film-coated tablets in the original package with the bottle tightly closed. Do not open the foil packet of powder for suspension until you are ready to use it.

• Chewable tablet: You may chew or swallow the tablet whole. If you have trouble chewing the 25-mg chewable tablet: Place the tablet in a clean cup and add 5 milliliters (ml) of liquid (including water, juice, or breast milk).Use a spoon to crush any remaining tablet and take the medicine right away.You may add another 5 ml of liquid if any part of the medicine is left in the cup, mix and drink right away.

• Do not change the dose or stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Film-coated tablet: Swallow the tablet whole.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Suspension: Dissolve one single-use packet in 10 milliliters (mL) of water.Mix the medicine by swirling the mixing cup carefully and slowly in a circle for 45 seconds. Do not shake the cup.Use the dosing syringe that comes with the package to measure the right dose.Take the dose within 30 minutes after you mix the liquid medicine.Throw away any remaining liquid medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Isentress

Isentress contraindications - Who shouldn't take Isentress?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to raltegravir.

Isentress warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, an infection, phenylketonuria (PKU), or a history of muscle problems (including myopathy or rhabdomyolysis).

• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrosisMyopathy (muscle weakness)Rhabdomyolysis (muscle problem that could lead to kidney problem)

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Isentress interactions & what to avoid when taking Isentress

• Some medicines can affect how raltegravir works. Tell your doctor if you also use any of the following:Carbamazepine, etravirine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, tipranavir/ritonavir, zidovudineAntacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesiumMedicine to lower cholesterol (including fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, statins)

• Do not take this medicine together with an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium. Wait at least 2 hours before or after you take raltegravir to take an antacid.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Severe skin or allergic reactions (may be life-threatening)MyopathyRhabdomyolysis (which can cause kidney problems)

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicine. Sometimes the immune system will start to fight an infection or other health problem, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.