raltegravir (Isentress)

Type of Drug: Integrase Inhibitor

This is the first approved drug in a class of drugs called integrase inhibitors. It works by blocking an enzyme that the virus needs in order to make more virus. The enzyme that it blocks is called HIV integrase.

one 400 mg capsule, two times a day

• Morning

Isentress

• Evening

Isentress

Note: Isentress must be used with other anti-HIV medicines. It is intended for patients who are already taking or have taken anti-HIV medicines but whose medicines are not controlling their HIV infection.

Notes on taking this medication

• Isentress interacts with certain other drugs; persons using Isentress with those drugs may need an adjustment to their dose of Isentress or the other drugs; consult your medical provider

Side effects

• Nausea; diarrhea; headache; muscle aches
• Contact your doctor promptly if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness

SOURCE: United States Department of Veterans Affairs. "Drug Dosing Toolkit, Isentress (raltegravir)."
<http://www.hiv.va.gov/vahiv?page=treat-drug-Isentress>

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