Does Intelence (etravirine) cause side effects?
Intelence (etravirine), in combination with other antiretroviral agents, is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in antiretroviral treatment-experienced patients ages 2 years and older, who have evidence of viral replication and HIV-1 strains resistant to a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and other antiretroviral agents.
Common side effects of Intelence include
Serious side effects of Intelence include
- severe skin rash and allergic reactions. Symptoms of severe skin rash and allergic reactions include
Drug interactions of Intelence include drugs that induce or inhibit CYP3A, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19, which may alter the therapeutic effect or adverse reaction profile of Intelence.
Intelence is an inducer of CYP3A and inhibitor of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and P-glycoprotein. Therefore, co-administration of drugs that are substrates of CYP3A, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 or are transported by P-glycoprotein with Intelence may alter the therapeutic effect or adverse reaction profile of the co-administered drug(s).
No adequate and well-controlled studies of Intelence use in pregnant women have been conducted. In addition, no pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted in pregnant patients. Intelence should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to Intelence, an Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry has been established.
It is unknown if Intelence is secreted in breast milk. Because of both the potential for HIV transmission and the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, mothers should not breastfeed if they are receiving Intelence.
What are the important side effects of Intelence (etravirine)?
Intelence can cause serious side effects including:
Severe skin rash and allergic reactions. Skin rash is a common side effect of Intelence. Rash can be serious. Call your doctor right away if you get a rash. In some cases, severe rash and allergic reaction may need to be treated in a hospital and may potentially lead to death. If you get a rash with any of the following symptoms, stop taking Intelence and call your doctor or get medical help right away:
- hives or sores in your mouth, or your skin blisters and peels
- trouble swallowing or breathing
- swelling of your face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
- fever,
- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes,
- dark urine, or
- pain on the right side of the stomach-area (abdominal pain).
Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicines. These changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these problems are not known.
Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Call your doctor right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine. In adults, common side effects of Intelence include:
In children, diarrhea is a common side effect of Intelence.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects with Intelence. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Intelence (etravirine) side effects list for healthcare professionals
The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections:
- Severe skin and hypersensitivity reactions.
Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Clinical Trials Experience In Adults
- The safety assessment is based on all data from 1203 subjects in the Phase 3 placebo-controlled trials, TMC125-C206 and TMC125-C216, conducted in antiretroviral treatment-experienced HIV-1-infected adult subjects, 599 of whom received Intelence (200 mg twice daily).
- In these pooled trials, the median exposure for subjects in the Intelence arm and placebo arm was 52.3 and 51.0 weeks, respectively.
- Discontinuations due to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were 5.2% in the Intelence arm and 2.6% in the placebo arm.
- The most frequently reported ADR at least Grade 2 in severity was rash (10.0%).
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome, drug hypersensitivity reaction and erythema multiforme were reported in less than 0.1% of subjects during clinical development with Intelence.
- A total of 2.2% of HIV-1-infected subjects in Phase 3 trials receiving Intelence discontinued due to rash. In general, in clinical trials, rash was mild to moderate, occurred primarily in the second week of therapy, and was infrequent after Week 4.
- Rash generally resolved within 1 to 2 weeks on continued therapy.
- The incidence of rash was higher in women compared to men in the Intelence arm in the Phase 3 trials (rash = Grade 2 was reported in 9/60 [15.0%] women versus 51/539 [9.5%] men; discontinuations due to rash were reported in 3/60 [5.0%] women versus 10/539 [1.9%] men).
- Patients with a history of NNRTI-related rash did not appear to be at increased risk for the development of Intelence-related rash compared to patients without a history of NNRTI-related rash.
Common Adverse Reactions
Clinical ADRs of moderate intensity or greater (greater than or equal to Grade 2) and reported in at least 2% of subjects treated with Intelence and occurring at a higher rate compared to placebo (excess of 1%) are presented in Table 2. Laboratory abnormalities considered ADRs are included in Table 3.
Table 2: Adverse Drug Reactions (Grades 2 to 4) in at Least 2% of Adult Subjects (Pooled TMC125-
C206 and TMC125-C216 Trials)
Preferred Term | Intelence + BR N=599 % |
Placebo + BR N=604 % |
Rash | 10% | 3% |
Peripheral neuropathy | 4% | 2% |
N=total number of subjects per treatment group; BR=background regimen |
Less Common Adverse Reactions
Treatment-emergent ADRs occurring in less than 2% of subjects (599 subjects) receiving Intelence and of at least moderate intensity (greater than or equal to Grade 2) are listed below by body system:
- Cardiac Disorders: myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation
- Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: vertigo
- Eye Disorders: blurred vision
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: gastroesophageal reflux disease, flatulence, gastritis, abdominal distension, pancreatitis, constipation, dry mouth, hematemesis, retching, stomatitis
- General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: sluggishness
- Hematologic Disorders: hemolytic anemia
- Hepatobiliary Disorders: hepatic failure, hepatomegaly, cytolytic hepatitis, hepatic steatosis, hepatitis
- Immune System Disorders: drug hypersensitivity, immune reconstitution syndrome
- Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: diabetes mellitus, anorexia, dyslipidemia
- Nervous System Disorders: paresthesia, somnolence, convulsion, hypoesthesia, amnesia, syncope, disturbance in attention, hypersomnia, tremor
- Psychiatric Disorders: anxiety, sleep disorders, abnormal dreams, confusional state, disorientation, nervousness, nightmares
- Renal and Urinary Disorders: acute renal failure
- Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: gynecomastia
- Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: exertional dyspnea, bronchospasm
- Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: night sweats, lipohypertrophy, prurigo, hyperhidrosis, dry skin, swelling face
Additional ADRs of at least moderate intensity observed in other trials were acquired lipodystrophy, angioneurotic edema, erythema multiforme and hemorrhagic stroke, each reported in no more than 0.5% of subjects.
Laboratory Abnormalities in Treatment-Experienced Patients
Selected Grade 2 to Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities that represent a worsening from baseline observed in adult subjects treated with Intelence are presented in Table 3.
Table 3: Selected Grade 2 to 4 Laboratory Abnormalities Observed in Treatment-Experienced
Subjects (Pooled TMC125-C206 and TMC125-C216 Trials)
Laboratory Parameter | DAIDS Toxicity Range | Intelence + BR N=599 % |
Placebo + BR N=604 % |
GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY | |||
Pancreatic amylase | |||
Grade 2 | > 1.5–2 x ULN | 7% | 8% |
Grade 3 | > 2–5 x ULN | 7% | 8% |
Grade 4 | > 5 x ULN | 2% | 1% |
Lipase | |||
Grade 2 | > 1.5–3 x ULN | 4% | 6% |
Grade 3 | > 3–5 x ULN | 2% | 2% |
Grade 4 | > 5 x ULN | 1% | < 1% |
Creatinine | |||
Grade 2 | > 1.4–1.8 x ULN | 6% | 5% |
Grade 3 | > 1.9–3.4 x ULN | 2% | 1% |
Grade 4 | > 3.4 x ULN | 0% | < 1% |
HEMATOLOGY | |||
Decreased hemoglobin | |||
Grade 2 | 90–99 g/L | 2% | 4% |
Grade 3 | 70–89 g/L | < 1% | < 1% |
Grade 4 | < 70 g/L | < 1% | < 1% |
White blood cell count | |||
Grade 2 | 1,500–1,999/mm3 | 2% | 3% |
Grade 3 | 1,000–1,499/mm3 | 1% | 4% |
Grade 4 | < 1,000/mm3 | 1% | < 1% |
Neutrophils | |||
Grade 2 | 750–999/mm3 | 5% | 6% |
Grade 3 | 500–749/mm3 | 4% | 4% |
Grade 4 | < 500/mm3 | 2% | 3% |
Platelet count | |||
Grade 2 | 50,000–99,999/mm3 | 3% | 5% |
Grade 3 | 25,000–49,999/mm3 | 1% | 1% |
Grade 4 | < 25,000/mm3 | < 1% | < 1% |
LIPIDS AND GLUCOSE | |||
Total cholesterol | |||
Grade 2 | > 6.20–7.77 mmol/L 240–300 mg/dL |
20% | 17% |
Grade 3 | > 7.77 mmol/L > 300mg/dL |
8% | 5% |
Low density lipoprotein | |||
Grade 2 | 4.13–4.9 mmol/L 160–190 mg/dL |
13% | 12% |
Grade 3 | > 4.9 mmol/L > 190mg/dL |
7% | 7% |
Triglycerides | |||
Grade 2 | 5.65–8.48 mmol/L 500–750 mg/dL |
9% | 7% |
Grade 3 | 8.49–13.56 mmol/L 751–1200 mg/dL |
6% | 4% |
Grade 4 | > 13.56 mmol/L > 1200 mg/dL |
4% | 2% |
Elevated glucose levels | |||
Grade 2 | 6.95–13.88 mmol/L 161–250 mg/dL |
15% | 13% |
Grade 3 | 13.89–27.75 mmol/L 251–500 mg/dL |
4% | 2% |
Grade 4 | > 27.75 mmol/L > 500mg/dL |
0% | < 1% |
HEPATIC PARAMETERS | |||
Alanine amino transferase | |||
Grade 2 | 2.6–5 x ULN | 6% | 5% |
Grade 3 | 5.1–10 x ULN | 3% | 2% |
Grade 4 | > 10 x ULN | 1% | < 1% |
Aspartate amino transferase | |||
Grade 2 | 2.6–5 x ULN | 6% | 8% |
Grade 3 | 5.1–10 x ULN | 3% | 2% |
Grade 4 | > 10 x ULN | < 1% | < 1% |
ULN=Upper Limit of Normal; BR=background regimen |
Patients Co-Infected With Hepatitis B and/or Hepatitis C Virus
- In Phase 3 trials TMC125-C206 and TMC125-C216, 139 subjects (12.3%) with chronic hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus co-infection out of 1129 subjects were permitted to enroll.
- AST and ALT abnormalities occurred more frequently in hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus co-infected subjects for both treatment groups.
- Grade 2 or higher laboratory abnormalities that represent a worsening from baseline of AST, ALT or total bilirubin occurred in 27.8%, 25.0% and 7.1% respectively, of Intelence-treated co-infected subjects as compared to 6.7%, 7.5% and 1.8% of non-co-infected Intelence-treated subjects.
- In general, adverse events reported by Intelence-treated subjects with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus co-infection were similar to Intelence-treated subjects without hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus co-infection.
Clinical Trials Experience In Pediatric Subjects (2 Years To Less Than 18 Years Of Age)
- The safety assessment in pediatric subjects is based on two single-arm trials. TMC125-C213 is a Phase 2 trial in which 101 antiretroviral treatment-experienced HIV-1 infected pediatric subjects 6 years to less than 18 years of age received Intelence in combination with other antiretroviral agents (Week 24 analysis).
- TMC125-C234/IMPAACT P1090 is a Phase 1/2 trial in which 20 antiretroviral treatment-experienced HIV-1 infected pediatric subjects 2 years to less than 6 years of age received Intelence in combination with other antiretroviral agents (Week 24 analysis).
- In TMC125-C213, the frequency, type and severity of adverse drug reactions in pediatric subjects 6 years to less than 18 years of age were comparable to those observed in adult subjects, except for rash which was observed more frequently in pediatric subjects.
- The most common adverse drug reactions in at least 2% of pediatric subjects were rash and diarrhea.
- Rash was reported more frequently in female subjects than in male subjects (rash ≥ Grade 2 was reported in 13/64 [20.3%] females versus 2/37 [5.4%] males; discontinuations due to rash were reported in 4/64 [6.3%] females versus 0/37 [0%] males).
- Rash (greater than or equal to Grade 2) occurred in 15% of pediatric subjects from 6 years to less than 18 years of age.
- In the majority of cases, rash was mild to moderate, of macular/papular type, and occurred in the second week of therapy.
- Rash was self-limiting and generally resolved within 1 week on continued therapy.
- The safety profile for subjects who completed 48 weeks of treatment was similar to the safety profile for subjects who completed 24 weeks of treatment.
- In TMC125-C234/IMPAACT P1090, the frequency, type and severity of adverse drug reactions in pediatric subjects 2 years to less than 6 years of age through Week 24 were comparable to those observed in adults.
- The most common adverse drug reactions (any grade) of pediatric subjects were rash (50% [10/20]) and diarrhea (25% [5/20]).
- In this age group, no subjects had Grade 3 or Grade 4 rash and no subjects discontinued prematurely due to rash.
- One subject discontinued etravirine due to asymptomatic lipase elevation.
Postmarketing Experience
The following events have been identified during postmarketing use of Intelence. Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
- Immune System Disorders: Severe hypersensitivity reactions including DRESS and cases of hepatic failure have been reported.
- Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: rhabdomyolysis
- Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Fatal cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported.
What drugs interact with Intelence (etravirine)?
Potential For Other Drugs To Affect Intelence
- Etravirine is a substrate of CYP3A, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. Therefore, co-administration of Intelence with drugs that induce or inhibit CYP3A, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 may alter the therapeutic effect or adverse reaction profile of Intelence (see Table 4).
Potential For Intelence To Affect Other Drugs
- Etravirine is an inducer of CYP3A and inhibitor of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and P-glycoprotein (Pgp).
- Therefore, co-administration of drugs that are substrates of CYP3A, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 or are transported by P-gp with Intelence may alter the therapeutic effect or adverse reaction profile of the co-administered drug(s) (see Table 4).
Significant Drug Interactions
- Table 4 shows significant drug interactions based on which, alterations in dose or regimen of Intelence and/or co-administered drug may be recommended. Drugs that are not recommended for co-administration with Intelence are also included in Table 4.
Table 4: Significant Drug Interactions
Concomitant Drug
Class: Drug Name |
Effect on Concentration of Etravirine or Concomitant Drug | Clinical Comment |
HIV-antiviral agents: integrase strand inhibitors | ||
dolutegravir* | ↓ dolutegravir ↔ etravirine |
Etravirine significantly reduced plasma concentrations of dolutegravir. Using cross-study comparisons to historical pharmacokinetic data for etravirine, dolutegravir did not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of etravirine. |
dolutegravir/darunavir /ritonavir* | ↓ dolutegravir ↔ etravirine |
The effect of etravirine on dolutegravir plasma concentrations was mitigated by co-administration of darunavir/ritonavir or lopinavir/ritonavir, and is expected to be mitigated by atazanavir/ritonavir. Dolutegravir should only be used with Intelence when co-administered with atazanavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, or lopinavir/ritonavir. |
dolutegravir/lopinavir /ritonavir* | ↔ dolutegravir ↔ etravirine |
|
HIV-antiviral agents: non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) | ||
efavirenz* nevirapine* | ↓ etravirine | Combining two NNRTIs has not been shown to be beneficial. Concomitant use of Intelence with efavirenz or nevirapine may cause a significant decrease in the plasma concentrations of etravirine and loss of therapeutic effect of Intelence. Co-administration of Intelence and other NNRTIs is not recommended. |
delavirdine | ↑ etravirine | Combining two NNRTIs has not been shown to be beneficial. Intelence and delavirdine should not be co-administered. |
rilpivirine | ↓ rilpivirine ↔ etravirine |
Combining two NNRTIs has not been shown to be beneficial. Co-administration of Intelence and rilpivirine is not recommended. |
HIV-antiviral agents: protease inhibitors (PIs) | ||
atazanavir* (without ritonavir) | ↓ atazanavir | Co-administration of Intelence and atazanavir without low-dose ritonavir is not recommended. |
atazanavir/ritonavir* | ↓ atazanavir ↔ etravirine |
Concomitant use of Intelence with atazanavir/ritonavir decreased atazanavir Cmin but it is not considered clinically relevant. The mean systemic exposure (AUC) of etravirine after co-administration of Intelence with atazanavir/ritonavir in HIV-infected subjects was similar to the mean systemic exposure of etravirine observed in the Phase 3 trials after co-administration of Intelence and darunavir/ritonavir (as part of the background regimen). Intelence and atazanavir/ritonavir can be co-administered without dose adjustments. |
atazanavir/cobicistat | ↓ atazanavir ↓ cobicistat |
Co-administration of Intelence with atazanavir/cobicistat is not recommended because it may result in loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance to atazanavir. |
darunavir/ritonavir* | ↓ etravirine | The mean systemic exposure (AUC) of etravirine was reduced when Intelence was co-administered with darunavir/ritonavir. Because all subjects in the Phase 3 trials received darunavir/ritonavir as part of the background regimen and etravirine exposures from these trials were determined to be safe and effective, Intelence and darunavir/ritonavir can be co-administered without dose adjustments. |
darunavir/cobicistat | ↓ cobicistat darunavir: effect unknown | Co-administration of Intelence with darunavir/cobicistat is not recommended because it may result in loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance to darunavir. |
fosamprenavir (without ritonavir) | ↑ amprenavir | Concomitant use of Intelence with fosamprenavir without low-dose ritonavir may cause a significant alteration in the plasma concentration of amprenavir. Coadministration of Intelence and fosamprenavir without low-dose ritonavir is not recommended. |
fosamprenavir/ritonavir* | ↑ amprenavir | Due to a significant increase in the systemic exposure of amprenavir, the appropriate doses of the combination of Intelence and fosamprenavir/ritonavir have not been established. Co-administration of Intelence and fosamprenavir/ritonavir is not recommended. |
indinavir* (without ritonavir) | ↓ indinavir | Concomitant use of Intelence with indinavir without low-dose ritonavir may cause a significant alteration in the plasma concentration of indinavir. Co-administration of Intelence and indinavir without low-dose ritonavir is not recommended. |
lopinavir/ritonavir* | ↓ etravirine | The mean systemic exposure (AUC) of etravirine was reduced after co-administration of Intelence with lopinavir/ritonavir (tablet). Because the reduction in the mean systemic exposures of etravirine in the presence of lopinavir/ritonavir is similar to the reduction in mean systemic exposures of etravirine in the presence of darunavir/ritonavir, Intelence and lopinavir/ritonavir can be co-administered without dose adjustments. |
nelfinavir (without ritonavir) | ↑ nelfinavir | Concomitant use of Intelence with nelfinavir without low-dose ritonavir may cause a significant alteration in the plasma concentration of nelfinavir. Co-administration of Intelence and nelfinavir without low-dose ritonavir is not recommended. |
ritonavir* | ↓ etravirine | Concomitant use of Intelence with ritonavir 600 mg twice daily may cause a significant decrease in the plasma concentration of etravirine and loss of therapeutic effect of Intelence. Co-administration of Intelence and ritonavir 600 mg twice daily is not recommended. |
saquinavir/ritonavir* | ↓ etravirine | The mean systemic exposure (AUC) of etravirine was reduced when Intelence was co-administered with saquinavir/ritonavir. Because the reduction in the mean systemic exposures of etravirine in the presence of saquinavir/ritonavir is similar to the reduction in mean systemic exposures of etravirine in the presence of darunavir/ritonavir, Intelence and saquinavir/ritonavir can be co-administered without dose adjustments. |
tipranavir/ritonavir* | ↓ etravirine | Concomitant use of Intelence with tipranavir/ritonavir may cause a significant decrease in the plasma concentrations of etravirine and loss of therapeutic effect of Intelence. Co-administration of Intelence and tipranavir/ritonavir is not recommended. |
CCR5 antagonists | ||
maraviroc* | ↔ etravirine ↓ maraviroc |
When Intelence is co-administered with maraviroc in the absence of a potent CYP3A inhibitor (e.g., ritonavir boosted protease inhibitor), the recommended dose of maraviroc is 600 mg twice daily. No dose adjustment of Intelence is needed. |
maraviroc/darunavir/ ritonavir*† | ↔ etravirine ↑ maraviroc |
When Intelence is co-administered with maraviroc in the presence of a potent CYP3A inhibitor (e.g., ritonavir boosted protease inhibitor), the recommended dose of maraviroc is 150 mg twice daily. No dose adjustment of Intelence is needed. |
Other agents | ||
Antiarrhythmics: digoxin* |
↔ etravirine ↑ digoxin |
For patients who are initiating a combination of Intelence and digoxin, the lowest dose of digoxin should initially be prescribed. For patients on a stable digoxin regimen and initiating Intelence, no dose adjustment of either Intelence or digoxin is needed. The serum digoxin concentrations should be monitored and used for titration of the digoxin dose to obtain the desired clinical effect. |
amiodarone bepridil disopyramide flecainide lidocaine (systemic) mexiletine propafenone quinidine |
↓ antiarrhythmics | Concentrations of these antiarrhythmics may be decreased when co-administered with Intelence. Intelence and antiarrhythmics should be co-administered with caution. Drug concentration monitoring is recommended, if available. |
Anticoagulant: warfarin |
↑ anticoagulants | Warfarin concentrations may be increased when co-administered with Intelence. The international normalized ratio (INR) should be monitored when warfarin is combined with Intelence. |
Anticonvulsants: carbamazepine phenobarbital phenytoin |
↓ etravirine | Carbamazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin are inducers of CYP450 enzymes. Intelence should not be used in combination with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin as co-administration may cause significant decreases in etravirine plasma concentrations and loss of therapeutic effect of Intelence. |
Antifungals: fluconazole* |
↑ etravirine ↔ fluconazole |
Co-administration of etravirine and fluconazole significantly increased etravirine exposures. The amount of safety data at these increased etravirine exposures is limited, therefore, etravirine and fluconazole should be co-administered with caution. No dose adjustment of Intelence or fluconazole is needed. |
voriconazole* | ↑ voriconazole | Co-administration of etravirine and voriconazole significantly increased etravirine exposures. The amount of safety data at these increased etravirine exposures is limited, therefore, etravirine and voriconazole should be coadministered with caution. No dose adjustment of Intelence or voriconazole is needed. |
Antifungals: itraconazole ketoconazole posaconazole |
↑ etravirine ↓ itraconazole ↓ ketoconazole ↔ posaconazole |
Posaconazole, a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, may increase plasma concentrations of etravirine. Itraconazole and ketoconazole are potent inhibitors as well as substrates of CYP3A4. Concomitant systemic use of itraconazole or ketoconazole and Intelence may increase plasma concentrations of etravirine. Simultaneously, plasma concentrations of itraconazole or ketoconazole may be decreased by Intelence. Dose adjustments for itraconazole, ketoconazole or posaconazole may be necessary depending on the other co-administered drugs. |
Antiinfective: clarithromycin* |
↑ etravirine ↓ clarithromycin ↑ 14-OHclarithromycin |
Clarithromycin exposure was decreased by Intelence; however, concentrations of the active metabolite, 14- hydroxy-clarithromycin, were increased. Because 14- hydroxy-clarithromycin has reduced activity against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), overall activity against this pathogen may be altered. Alternatives to clarithromycin, such as azithromycin, should be considered for the treatment of MAC. |
Antimalarial: artemether/lumefantrine* |
↔ etravirine ↓ artemether ↓ dihydroartemisinin ↓ lumefantrine |
Caution is warranted when co-administering Intelence and artemether/lumefantrine as it is unknown whether the decrease in exposure of artemether or its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin, could result in decreased antimalarial efficacy. No dose adjustment is needed for Intelence. |
Antimycobacterials: rifampin rifapentine |
↓ etravirine | Rifampin and rifapentine are potent inducers of CYP450 enzymes. Intelence should not be used with rifampin or rifapentine as co-administration may cause significant decreases in etravirine plasma concentrations and loss of therapeutic effect of Intelence. |
Antimycobacterial: rifabutin* |
↓ etravirine ↓ rifabutin ↓ 25-Odesacetylrifabutin |
If Intelence is NOT co-administered with a protease inhibitor/ritonavir, then rifabutin at a dose of 300 mg once daily is recommended. |
If Intelence is co-administered with darunavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir or saquinavir/ritonavir, then rifabutin should not be co-administered due to the potential for significant reductions in etravirine exposure. | ||
Benzodiazepine: diazepam |
↑ diazepam | Concomitant use of Intelence with diazepam may increase plasma concentrations of diazepam. A decrease in diazepam dose may be needed. |
Corticosteroid: dexamethasone (systemic) |
↓ etravirine | Systemic dexamethasone induces CYP3A and can decrease etravirine plasma concentrations. This may result in loss of therapeutic effect of Intelence. Systemic dexamethasone should be used with caution or alternatives should be considered, particularly for long-term use. |
Herbal products: St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
↓ etravirine | Concomitant use of Intelence with products containing St. John’s wort may cause significant decreases in etravirine plasma concentrations and loss of therapeutic effect of Intelence. Intelence and products containing St. John’s wort should not be co-administered. |
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
direct-acting antivirals: daclatasvir |
↓ daclatasvir | Co-administration of Intelence with daclatasvir may decrease daclatasvir concentrations. Increase the daclatasvir dose to 90 mg once daily. |
elbasvir/grazoprevir | ↓ elbasvir ↓ grazoprevir |
Co-administration of Intelence with elbasvir/grazoprevir may decrease elbasvir and grazoprevir concentrations, leading to reduced therapeutic effect of elbasvir/grazoprevir. Co-administration is not recommended. |
simeprevir | ↓ simeprevir | Co-administration of Intelence with simeprevir may decrease simeprevir concentrations. Co-administration is not recommended. |
HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors: atorvastatin* |
↔ etravirine ↓ atorvastatin ↑ 2-OH-atorvastatin |
The combination of Intelence and atorvastatin can be given without dose adjustments, however, the dose of atorvastatin may need to be altered based on clinical response. |
pravastatin rosuvastatin |
↔ etravirine ↔ pravastatin ↔ rosuvastatin |
No interaction between pravastatin, rosuvastatin and Intelence is expected. |
lovastatin simvastatin |
↓ lovastatin ↓ simvastatin |
Lovastatin and simvastatin are CYP3A substrates and co-administration with Intelence may result in lower plasma concentrations of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. |
fluvastatin pitavastatin |
↑ fluvastatin ↑ pitavastatin |
Fluvastatin and pitavastatin are metabolized by CYP2C9 and co-administration with Intelence may result in higher plasma concentrations of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Dose adjustments for these HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may be necessary. |
Immunosuppressants: cyclosporine sirolimus tacrolimus |
↓immunosuppressant | Intelence and systemic immunosuppressants should be co-administered with caution because plasma concentrations of cyclosporine, sirolimus, or tacrolimus may be affected. |
Narcotic
analgesics/treatment of
opioid dependence: buprenorphine buprenorphine/naloxone* methadone* |
↔ etravirine ↓ buprenorphine ↔ norbuprenorphine ↔ methadone |
Intelence and buprenorphine (or buprenorphine/naloxone) can be co-administered without dose adjustments, however, clinical monitoring for withdrawal symptoms is recommended as buprenorphine (or buprenorphine/naloxone) maintenance therapy may need to be adjusted in some patients. |
Intelence and methadone can be co-administered without dose adjustments, however, clinical monitoring for withdrawal symptoms is recommended as methadone maintenance therapy may need to be adjusted in some patients.` | ||
Phosphodiesterase type5
(PDE-5) inhibitors: sildenafil* tadalafil vardenafil |
↓ sildenafil ↓ N-desmethylsildenafil |
Intelence and sildenafil can be co-administered without dose adjustments, however, the dose of sildenafil may need to be altered based on clinical effect. |
Platelet aggregation
inhibitors: clopidogrel |
↓ clopidogrel (active) metabolite | Activation of clopidogrel to its active metabolite may be decreased when clopidogrel is co-administered with Intelence. Alternatives to clopidogrel should be considered. |
↑ = increase; ↓ = decrease; ↔ = no change * The interaction between Intelence and the drug was evaluated in a clinical study. All other drug interactions shown are predicted. † The reference for etravirine exposure is the pharmacokinetic parameters of etravirine in the presence of darunavir/ritonavir. |
Drugs Without Clinically Significant Interactions With Intelence
- In addition to the drugs included in Table 4, the interaction between
Intelence and the following drugs were evaluated in clinical studies and no
dose adjustment is needed for either drug:
- didanosine,
- enfuvirtide (ENF),
- ethinylestradiol/norethindrone,
- omeprazole,
- paroxetine,
- raltegravir,
- ranitidine, and
- tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
Summary
Intelence (etravirine), in combination with other antiretroviral agents, is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in antiretroviral treatment-experienced patients ages 2 years and older, who have evidence of viral replication and HIV-1 strains resistant to a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and other antiretroviral agents. Common side effects of Intelence include tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet; diarrhea (in children); and changes in body fat. No adequate and well-controlled studies of Intelence use in pregnant women have been conducted. It is unknown if Intelence is secreted in breast milk.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
What Are HIV & AIDS? Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Learn about HIV symptoms, HIV test, HIV...
-
HIV AIDS: Myths and Facts
What is HIV versus AIDS? What are the symptoms of HIV? Is there an HIV cure? Discover myths and facts about living with HIV/AIDS....
-
Picture of HIV Lipodystrophy
HIV lipodystrophy describes a constellation of changes in subcutaneous and visceral fat distribution in patients on...
-
HIV & AIDS Quiz: HIV Testing & Symptoms
Now, more than ever, you should know about HIV/AIDS, especially its causes, symptoms treatments, and complications. Take the...
Related Disease Conditions
-
HIV Early Signs and Stages
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) weakens your immune system. Some people with HIV don’t have any symptoms, but those that do may experience mononucleosis-like or flu-like symptoms. There are 3 stages of HIV.
-
HIV and AIDS
Second Source article from WebMD
-
HIV vs. AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus causes HIV infection. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition that results after HIV has extensively damaged a person's immune system. Risk factors for HIV and AIDS include use of contaminated needles or syringes, unprotected sex, STDs, receiving a blood transfusion prior to 1985 in the United States, having many sex partners, and transmission from a mother to her child.
-
Can HIV be Cured Naturally?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. If someone has HIV it means that they have been diagnosed with the HIV infection. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome); however, is the most advanced or final stage of the HIV infection. It is important to get tested for HIV in the early stages of infection to minimize the damage to the immune system. Successful treatment aims to reduce HIV load to a level that is harmless to the body.
-
HIV Medications List and Drug Charts
The ultimate goal of HIV treatment is getting the viral load down below detectable levels. As long as those viral load and antibody levels are below a proscribed range, people with HIV can stave off AIDS and other serious symptoms. Antiviral treatment options usually include combinations of two NRTIs, often referred to as "nucs," and a third drug, typically being a boosted protease inhibitor, a NNRTI, often called "non-nucs," and integrase strand transfer inhibitors.
-
HIV/AIDS Infection Transmission and Prevention
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is spread through contact with genital fluids or blood of an infected person. The spread of HIV can occur when these secretions come in contact with tissues such as those lining the vagina, anal area, mouth, eyes (the mucus membranes), or with a break in the skin, such as from a cut or puncture by a needle.
-
HIV/AIDS Testing: Diagnosis and Monitoring
HIV/AIDS diagnosis and monitoring have come a long way from the days when a diagnosis was a death sentence. Crucial parts of the effective treatment regimens developed in the last 40 years are consistent monitoring of the viral load (the amount of virus in the blood), and the immune cell count, which function as biological markers of the disease’s progression. Doctors also must test for drug resistance.
-
HIV/AIDS Facts: What Is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the precursor infection to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is transmitted through blood and genital secretions; most people get it through sexual contact or sharing needles for illegal IV drug use. HIV can be controlled by a strict drug regimen, but left unchecked, it leads to AIDS. In AIDS, the immune system collapses and the body falls prey to secondary, opportunistic infections and cancers that typically kill the person.
-
What Are the Side Effects of HIV Medications?
It’s important to know the potential side effects of all the drugs you take to control your HIV infection, as well as potential drug interactions. All of the NNRTIs (nonnucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors), for example, are associated with important drug-drug interactions so they must be used with caution in patients on other medications. Learn more about the side effects of the drugs in standard treatment regimens.
-
HIV Life Expectancy and Long-term Outlook
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, people with HIV can live a healthy and long life. There is no generalized definitive period for which a person with HIV can live.
-
When should you start HIV medication?
Nearly everyone who is infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) should start antiviral medication therapy as soon as they are diagnosed. Older guidelines recommended delaying treatment to help reduce the potential for drug side effects and viral resistance to treatment. Current thinking theorizes that early treatment may preserve more of the body's immune function.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- HIV-AIDS FAQs
- HIV Treatment, Medications, and Prevention
- HIV / AIDS Conference Update 2005 - Index
- Retrovirus & Opportunistic Infections Part II
- HIV Transmission and Progression to AIDS Continues
- Physical and Biochemical Changes in HIV Disease
- Babies On The Breast Of HIV Moms
- HIV Urine Test Approved
- HIV Treatment - To Interrupt or Not
- Unprotected Sex Between HIV-Infected Partners: What's the Harm?
- Can HIV Cause Kaposi's Sarcoma?
- Do You Need Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV with No Symptoms?
- Does HIV Cause Colorectal Cancer?
- Does Anti-Retroviral Therapy for HIV Cause Diabetes?
- How Long Should You Wait to Get an HIV Test?
- What Liver Problems Does HIV Cause?
- Does Circumcision Prevent HIV and AIDS?
- HIV Infection Facts, History, Causes, and Risk Factors
- HIV Tests, Symptoms, Signs, and Stages of Infection
- Baby "Cured" of HIV Infection
Medications & Supplements

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Professional side effects and drug interactions sections courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.