Examples
Raltegravir is available as pills. Usually, a pill is taken
twice a day.
How It Works
Raltegravir blocks the HIV integrase
enzyme. This prevents HIV from multiplying. When the
amount of virus in the blood is kept at a minimum, the
immune system has a chance to recover and grow
stronger.
Why It Is Used
Raltegravir is used in combination with
other antiretroviral medicines to treat
HIV. It helps prevent the virus from spreading in the
body and helps reduce the amount of virus in your blood (viral load). Raltegravir may be effective for people who have taken other
anti-HIV drugs without success.
The use of three or more
antiretroviral medicines (antiretroviral therapy, or ART) is the usual treatment for HIV infection.
The
combination of medicines used for ART will depend on your health, other
conditions you might have (such as
hepatitis), and results of testing. Talk to your
doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Medical experts recommend that people begin treatment for HIV as soon as they know that they are infected.1, 2 Treatment is especially important for pregnant women, people who have other infections (such as tuberculosis or hepatitis), and people who have symptoms of AIDS.
You may also want to start HIV treatment if your sex partner does not have HIV. Treatment of your HIV infection can help prevent the spread of HIV to your sex partner.3
-
HIV: When Should I Start Antiretroviral Medicines for HIV Infection?
-
HIV: Taking Antiretroviral Drugs
How Well It Works
Raltegravir works well with other
antiretroviral medicines to improve CD4+ cell counts and reduce viral
load.4, 5
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call
911
or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Nausea and diarrhea.
- Headache.
- Fever.
See Drug Reference
for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all
systems.)
What To Think About
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
-
U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents (2012). Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents
in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents. Available online: http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/lvguidelines/adultandadolescentgl.pdf.
-
Thompson MA, et al. (2012). Antiretroviral treatment of adult HIV infection: 2012 recommendations of the International Antiviral Society—USA Panel. JAMA, 308(4): 387–402.
-
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents (2011). Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents. Available online: http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/ContentFiles/AdultandAdolescentGL.pdf.
-
Steigbigel RT, et al. (2008). Raltegravir with
optimized background therapy for resistant HIV-1 infection. New England Journal of Medicine, 359(4): 339–354.
-
Cooper DA, et al. (2008). Subgroup and resistance
analyses of raltegravir for resistant HIV-1 infection. New England Journal of Medicine, 359(4): 355–365.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine |
|
Last Revised
|
November 7, 2012 |
U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents (2012). Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents
in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents. Available online: http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/lvguidelines/adultandadolescentgl.pdf.
Thompson MA, et al. (2012). Antiretroviral treatment of adult HIV infection: 2012 recommendations of the International Antiviral Society—USA Panel. JAMA, 308(4): 387–402.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents (2011). Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents. Available online: http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/ContentFiles/AdultandAdolescentGL.pdf.
Steigbigel RT, et al. (2008). Raltegravir with
optimized background therapy for resistant HIV-1 infection. New England Journal of Medicine, 359(4): 339–354.
Cooper DA, et al. (2008). Subgroup and resistance
analyses of raltegravir for resistant HIV-1 infection. New England Journal of Medicine, 359(4): 355–365.