Raltegravir

Conditions Treated

Raltegravir is used in combination with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Raltegravir is in a class of medications called HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitors. It works by slowing the spread of HIV in the body. Raltegravir does not cure HIV infection and may not prevent you from developing HIV-related illnesses. Raltegravir does not prevent you from spreading HIV to other people.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Raltegravir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• weakness
• tiredness
• headache
• dizziness
• pale skin

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• muscle pain or tenderness
• muscle weakness
• dark or cola-colored urine
• chest pain or pressure
• fast heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• excessive sweating
• fever, sore throat, cough, chills, and other signs of infection
• lack of energy
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• flu-like symptoms
• unexplained weight gain
• decrease in amount of urine
• swelling around the feet, ankles, or legs
• drowsiness

You should know that the long-term effects of raltegravir are not known at this time. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.Raltegravir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Raltegravir comes as a tablet to take by mouth.It is usually taken with or without food twice a day. Take raltegravir at the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take raltegravir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take raltegravir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking raltegravir or your other anti-HIV medications without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking raltegravir or skip doses, your condition may become worse and the virus may become resistant to treatment. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking raltegravir, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to raltegravir or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rimactane), or cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hepatitis. you should know that your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body such as your breasts and upper back.