Raltegravir

What is Raltegravir for?

Raltegravir is an anti-retroviral agent that blocks the construction or replication of viruses. It is used to decrease the amount of viruses (viral load) in the body as low as possible, for as long as possible.

When should I take the medicine?

Raltegravir is usually taken two times a day, in combination with other anti-retroviral agents, to achieve a significant decrease in viral load.

How should I take or use Raltegravir?

Raltegravir may be administered with or without food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Raltegravir?

Missing doses may make Raltegravir less effective and may also make the virus resistant to Raltegravir. This could make the virus harder to treat.

If you forgot to take the medication, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you remember a missed dose at the time of your next dose, omit the missed dose and take only your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

What are some common side effects of Raltegravir?

Raltegravir may cause the following side effects:

• Headache. You may take painkillers e.g. paracetamol for mild headaches.
• Nausea and vomiting. You may take Raltegravir with or after meals to minimize stomach upset.
• Loose stools (diarrhoea)
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• Fatigue (feeling tired)

Inform your doctor if the side effects above become severe and bothersome.

Report to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Signs of infection such as fever, cough, sore throat or generally feeling unwell
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes and dark-coloured urine
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained muscle pain

Stop the medication immediately and seek medical attention if you experience any severe allergic reactions like skin rash (with or without blisters, mouth ulcers, fever and itching), swelling of the eyes and lips or difficulty breathing.

Other precautions:

Some medication may reduce its efficacy, or increase its toxicity. Do not take any other medications or herbal products without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist, because some medications may reduce the efficacy or increase the side effects of Raltegravir.

How should I store Raltegravir?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
• Store at room temperature