RALTEGRAVIR POWDER PACKET - ORAL

RALTEGRAVIR POWDER PACKET - ORAL

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Isentress

GENERIC NAME(S): raltegravir potassium

Uses

USES: This formulation of raltegravir is used with other HIV medications for infants and children to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in the body so your child's immune system can work better. This lowers the chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your child's quality of life. Raltegravir belongs to a class of drugs known as integrase inhibitors. It blocks the virus from growing and infecting more cells. Raltegravir is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease the risk of spreading HIV disease to others, your child should do all of the following: (1) continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by the doctor, and (2) do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details.


How to use RALTEGRAVIR POWDER PACKET - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start giving raltegravir to your child and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask the doctor or pharmacist. Give this medication to your child by mouth with or without food as directed by the doctor, usually once or twice daily. The dosage is based on your child's medical condition, response to treatment, age, weight, and other medications your child may be taking. Be sure to tell the doctor and pharmacist about all the products your child uses (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Empty the contents of one packet in the mixing cup. Measure the amount of water as directed using the syringe and add it to the mixing cup. Mix well by gently swirling the cup. Do not shake. Measure the dose using the syringe. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Give the dose within 30 minutes after mixing. 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 giving this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not increase the dose or give this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your child's condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of side effects will increase. Do not give more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop giving it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by the doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects. For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) 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, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell the doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that the doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. As your child's immune system gets stronger, it can begin to fight off infections they already had, possibly causing disease symptoms to come back. Your child could also have symptoms if their 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 your child has 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 the doctor right away if your child has 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 your child is 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 the 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, 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 the 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 the doctor or pharmacist if your child is allergic to it; or if your child has 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 the doctor or pharmacist your child's 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 the doctor or dentist about all the products your child uses (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This formulation of raltegravir is not usually used by adults. Therefore, it is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Consult the doctor if you have any questions about this medication.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how medications work or increase the risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products your child uses (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with the doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without the doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: orlistat. If you are breast-feeding your child, ask the doctor if any medications that you are using may pass into the breast milk and interact with this medication.

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 RALTEGRAVIR POWDER PACKET - ORAL

Raltegravir is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV infection. It comes in a powdered form that is mixed with water and taken orally.

The recommended dosage of Raltegravir powder packet depends on the individual's age, weight, and the severity of their HIV infection. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Common side effects of Raltegravir powder packet include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. However, not everyone experiences these side effects. If you notice any severe or persistent side effects, it is important to contact your doctor.

No, Raltegravir powder packet is not a cure for HIV. It is used to control the viral load and slow down the progression of the disease, but can't eliminate the virus from the body. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost 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.

It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking before starting Raltegravir powder packet. Some drugs may interact with Raltegravir and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider will help determine the safe combination of medications for you.

Raltegravir powder packet is approved for use in children aged 4 weeks and older. However, the dosage and administration may vary depending on the child's age and weight. It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider for pediatric use.

The duration of Raltegravir treatment varies depending on the individual's response to the medication and the progression of their HIV infection. It is a lifelong treatment that needs to be continued as long as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Raltegravir is classified as a Pregnancy Category B medication, which means it has not been shown to cause harm to a developing fetus. However, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider before using Raltegravir if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.



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.