RALTEGRAVIR • Pale yellow chewable tablet (orange- your immune system will be further banana flavoured). Each tablet contains damaged. A few missed doses can be

25 mg of raltegravir. enough for raltegravir to stop being active, a Other NAMES: Isentress  phenomenon known as resistance . When The usual adult dose of raltegravir is 400 this happens, other antiretrovirals that work mg twice daily, with or without food. The in a similar way as raltegravir may also WHY is this drug prescribed? drug must be taken in a combination become inactive. Therefore, missing regimen with other antiretrovirals. doses of raltegravir can decrease Raltegravir is an antiretroviral (anti-HIV) treatment options for the future. Please drug that is used together with other Your dosage is: do not stop raltegravir or change your dose antiretrovirals to delay the progression of without talking to your doctor first. HIV-1 infection. It works by blocking the PINK tablet (raltegravir 400 mg): enzyme integrase. By taking this drug in What SIDE EFFECTS can this drug combination with other antiretroviral agents ____ tablet (___mg) ___ times a day with cause? What should you do about your doctor has prescribed, your immune + or without food. them? system should improve (increase in CD4 count) better protecting you against Pale ORANGE tablet (raltegravir 100 mg): Some people taking raltegravir will have infections and your viral load should symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, decrease because the enzyme needed to ____ tablets (___mg) ___ times a day with vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, difficulty produce more viruses is being blocked. or without food. sleeping, rash, cough and fever. At the start of using raltegravir, some patient’s Raltegravir does not cure AIDS or Pale YELLOW tablet (raltegravir 25 mg): develop an inflammatory response or show completely kill the HIV virus, but helps to evidence of an underlying infection prevent further damage by slowing down ____ tablets (___mg) ___ times a day with (pneumonia, herpes, or tuberculosis). Talk the production of new viruses. ou should or without food. to your doctor or pharmacist if you develop always use appropriate precautions to unusual symptoms, as they signal a need prevent passing HIV on to others. for evaluation and treatment. What should you do if you FORGET a dose? It is important that you keep your doctor HOW should this drug be taken? appointments and come for your laboratory If you miss a dose of raltegravir, take it as tests so that your progress can be followed. Raltegravir is currently available in 3 soon as you remember and carry on with different formulations: your regular schedule. What other PRECAUTIONS should you • Pink film coated tablet. Each tablet follow while using this drug? contains 400 mg of raltegravir. Why should you not forget to take this

drug? Certain drugs can increase or decrease the • Pale orange chewable tablet (orange- effect of raltegravir. The dose of raltegravir banana flavoured). Each tablet contains If you miss doses of raltegravir, the amount may need to be increased if you are taking 100 mg of raltegravir. of virus in your blood (known as the HIV certain drugs such as rifampin. viral load) will start increasing again and • Antacids containing aluminum or If you have any questions or concerns magnesium (e.g., liquid Maalox , about this drug or if you are

Diovol , Mylanta , etc) should NOT be experiencing adverse effects, please used with raltegravir because they may discuss them with your pharmacist,

decrease the effect of raltegravir. doctor or nurse.

• Antacids containing calcium carbonate Write questions or concerns down to (e.g., Tums ) may be taken at the ensure they are addressed. RALTEGRAVIR same time as raltegravir. (Isentress ) The following pharmacist is available to Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all answer questions: prescribed and non-prescribed drugs you are taking. As well, you should inform them Pharmacist: ______of natural products or recreational (street Telephone: ______MEDICATION drugs) you are taking. If you wish to start a new drug or natural product, please consult with your pharmacist before doing so. FACT SHEET

Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant or if you wish to become pregnant in the near future. Your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment to help reduce the risk of passing the HIV virus on to your baby. Breastfeeding is NOT recommended if you have HIV as you can transmit the virus to your baby through your breast milk.

How should this drug be STORED?

Raltegravir should be stored in a cool (15- 30 °C) dry place, protected from light and well out of the reach of children. Ensure that the drug has not expired by checking the Reference: expiry date (“EXP”) shown on the outside of Merck Frosst Canada Ltd, Product Monograph Isentress  the package. (raltegravir). Kirkland, QC, Canada: January 20, 2015.

Additional medication fact sheets and updates may be found at: www.hivclinic.ca