ELVITEGRAVIR - ORAL

ELVITEGRAVIR - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (EL-vi-TEG-ra-vir)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vitekta

GENERIC NAME(S): elvitegravir

Uses

USES: This drug is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Elvitegravir belongs to a class of drugs known as integrase inhibitors. It blocks the virus from growing and infecting more cells. Elvitegravir is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, do all of the following: (1) continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor, (2) always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during all sexual activity, and (3) do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.


How to use ELVITEGRAVIR - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking elvitegravir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you take antacids, take the antacids at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after this medication. It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. As your immune system gets stronger, it can begin to fight off infections you already had, possibly causing disease symptoms to come back. You could also have symptoms if your immune system becomes overactive. This reaction may happen at any time (soon after starting HIV treatment or many months later). Get medical help right away if you have any serious symptoms, including: unexplained weight loss, severe tiredness, muscle aches/weakness that doesn't go away, headaches that are severe or don't go away, joint pain, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet/arms/legs, vision changes, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, trouble breathing, cough, non-healing skin sores), signs of an overactive thyroid (such as irritability, nervousness, heat intolerance, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, bulging eyes, unusual growth in the neck/thyroid known as a goiter), signs of a certain nerve problem known as Guillain-Barre syndrome (such as trouble breathing/swallowing/moving your eyes, drooping face, paralysis, trouble speaking). Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking elvitegravir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Treatment can lower the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby, and elvitegravir may be part of that treatment. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: cobicistat, orlistat. Other medications can affect the removal of elvitegravir from your body, which may affect how elvitegravir works. Examples include certain HIV NNRTIs (such as efavirenz, nevirapine), certain rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifapentine), certain drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), St. John's wort, among others. Do not use this medication with other products that contain elvitegravir.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for ELVITEGRAVIR - ORAL

Elvitegravir is an oral medication used to treat HIV infection. It belongs to a class of drugs known as integrase inhibitors.

Elvitegravir works by blocking the enzyme integrase, which is essential for the replication of the HIV virus. By inhibiting this enzyme, Elvitegravir helps to prevent the virus from multiplying and spreading in the body.

Common side effects of Elvitegravir may include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and abnormal dreams. Inform your doctor if these side effects become severe or persistent.

Elvitegravir is usually taken once daily with food. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the exact dosage and duration of treatment. Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

Elvitegravir is often used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to effectively manage HIV infection. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate combination of medications based on your individual condition.

Elvitegravir may interact with certain medications, including certain antacids, antifungal drugs, antibiotics, or other HIV medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid any potential interactions.

It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of using Elvitegravir during pregnancy or while breastfeeding with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the appropriate guidance based on your individual circumstances.

Elvitegravir starts working to control HIV replication immediately after starting the medication. However, it may take several weeks or months to achieve optimal viral suppression. Regular monitoring of HIV viral load and CD4 cell count will help determine the effectiveness of the treatment.

If you miss a dose of Elvitegravir, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.