Isentress (raltegravir) is an antiretroviral drug that prevents HIV from multiplying in the body. Isentress (Raltegravir) is not a cure for HIV, but it can reduce the risk of HIV causing AIDS.

Read the instructions carefully before taking Isentress (raltegravir).

Always follow your doctor's directions.

• Isentress can be taken with or without food
• Swallow the tablet whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablet
• Isentress oral suspension powder should be mixed in water before taking
• Smaller chewable tablets may be crushed and mixed in water, juice, or breast milk
• Use mixed medicine immediately. Do not save mixed medicine for later use
Store at room temperature and keep tablets in the original container

Let your doctor know if:

• You have a muscle disorder
• You have high blood levels of creatine kinase
• You have muscle damage
• You have kidney disease or you are on dialysis
• You have liver disease
• You have depression or any other mental illness

Other precautions:

• Do not breastfeed while taking Isentress
• Chewable Isentress tablets contain phenylalanine. Inform your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU)

Side effects of Isentress (raltegravir) may include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Sleep problems

Severe side effects of Isentress that require medical help:

• Fever, night sweats, and swollen glands
• Cold sores, cough, and wheezing
• Diarrhea or weight loss
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Difficulty balancing
• Enlarged thyroid, menstrual changes, or impotence

What is Isentress used for?

Isentress (raltegravir) is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Can Isentress cause severe side effects?

In rare cases, Isentress (raltegravir) may cause life-threatening skin reactions. If you develop skin redness or a blistering rash, seek medical help. Raltegravir can cause a condition that breaks down skeletal muscle tissue and kidney failure. Seek medical help if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.