Raltegravir

Raltegravir is an antiretrovirals. It is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells and clears up your infection. Raltegravir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS and only helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body. This helps to lower your risk of getting HIV-related complications and improves your lifespan. It is prescribed in combination with other HIV medicines. Your doctor will recommend the best medicines for you and will decide the doses that you need. Follow the instructions carefully, for all the medicines that you are given. It may be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time. Avoid taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take this medicine. It is important not to miss doses and to keep taking them until your doctor tells you it is safe to stop. Some of the common side effects include insomnia (difficulty sleeping), headache, nausea, dizziness and muscle pain. These are usually not serious but tell your doctor if they bother you or persist for a longer duration. Rarely, some people may experience a skin reaction or liver damage. Your doctor will closely monitor you for these in the initial period of treatment. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any skin problems or liver or kidney disease. While using it, you may need regular blood tests to check your blood counts and liver function. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver damage. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using this medicine. Do not have unprotected sex or share personal items like razors or toothbrushes, if you are HIV positive. Talk to your doctor about safe ways like condoms to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Raltegravir is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of HIV virus in human cells. Thus stops the HIV virus from producing new viruses.

• HIV infection

Raltegravir is an inhibitor of HIV integrase, an enzyme essential for insertion of viral DNA into the host cell genome, thereby preventing viral gene expression and replication. It is active against HIV-1 and also has some in vitro activity against HIV-2.

Adult Dose: Oral HIV-1 infection Adult: In combination w/ other antiretroviral agents: As film-coated tab: 400 mg bid. Child Dose: Oral HIV-1 infection Child: As susp: >4 wk 3-25 kg: Same as adult dose. Renal Dose: Renal impairment No dosage adjustment required for any degree of renal impairment Dialysis: Unknown if drug is removed by dialysis; avoid dosing before dialysis session

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Raltegravir may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Common: • Diarrhea • Dizziness • Fatigue • Headache • Increased liver enzymes • Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping) • Muscle pain • Nausea

[UNSAFE] Raltegravir may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur. Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time every day. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not take antacids or calcium supplements an hour before or two hours after taking Raltegravir. Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your blood cell counts and liver function during treatment with this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Hypersensitivity to raltegravir. Lactation.

Reduced plasma concentration w/ rifampicin, Al- and Mg-containing antacids.

[CAUTION] Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Raltegravir. Please consult your doctor.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Raltegravir may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Raltegravir is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Raltegravir is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Raltegravir is recommended. [CAUTION] Raltegravir should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Raltegravir may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Limited information is available on the use of Raltegravir in these patients. No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild to moderate liver disease.