RALTEGRAVIR CHEWABLE - ORAL

RALTEGRAVIR CHEWABLE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ral-TEG-ra-vir)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Isentress

GENERIC NAME(S): raltegravir potassium

Uses

USES: Raltegravir 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. Raltegravir is known as an integrase inhibitor. It blocks the virus from growing and infecting more cells. Raltegravir 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 RALTEGRAVIR CHEWABLE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking raltegravir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times daily. This medication may be chewed or swallowed whole. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, weight, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Avoid using antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium while taking this medication. These antacids can make raltegravir work less well. It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Do not take 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 and/or make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant). For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same times every day. Do not switch between the film-coated tablet, the chewable tablet, or the powder packet for oral suspension forms of raltegravir without asking your doctor or pharmacist first.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, and trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, 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: signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (such as increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor, as well as the possible use of exercise to reduce this side effect. 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 (especially if you also have fever, blisters, mouth sores, eye redness/swelling, muscle/joint pain), 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 raltegravir, 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, especially of: liver disease (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C), muscle disorders (such as rhabdomyolysis, myopathy), high blood levels of creatine kinase (high CK test results). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Treatment can lower the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby, and raltegravir 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. A product that may interact with this drug is: orlistat.

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.

Images


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ISENTRESS 100 MG TABLET CHEW

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Faq for RALTEGRAVIR CHEWABLE - ORAL

Raltegravir Chewable is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV infection. It belongs to a class of drugs called integrase strand transfer inhibitors.

Raltegravir Chewable works by inhibiting the action of the integrase enzyme, which is necessary for the replication of the HIV virus. By blocking this enzyme, the medication helps prevent the virus from multiplying and spreading in the body.

The recommended dosage of Raltegravir Chewable varies depending on several factors, such as the patient's weight and other medications they may be taking. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the prescription label.

Common side effects of Raltegravir Chewable may include diarrhea, nausea, headache, tiredness, and dizziness. These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve with time. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it is important to seek medical attention.

No, Raltegravir Chewable cannot cure HIV infection. It is an antiretroviral medication that helps control the virus and prevents its reproduction in the body. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider to effectively manage HIV infection.

Yes, Raltegravir Chewable can interact with certain medications, including rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and certain antacids. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid any potential interactions.

Raltegravir Chewable should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The medication should be kept in its original container and out of reach of children.



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.