Based upon studies of up to 24-weeks:
ISENTRESS when taken in combination with other anti-HIV medications may
reduce viral load to undetectable (less than 400 copies/mL, or less than 50 copies/mL)a
and may increase CD4 (T) cell counts. ISENTRESS may not have these effects in all patients.
(adepending upon the test used)
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT ISENTRESS
ISENTRESS is an anti-HIV medicine that helps control HIV infection. ISENTRESS is used along with other anti-HIV medicines in patients who are already taking or have taken anti-HIV medicines that are not controlling their HIV infection, such as patients with HIV resistant to more than one type of anti-HIV medication.
The safety and effectiveness of ISENTRESS have not been established for the treatment of HIV infection in adult patients who have never taken HIV medications before or in patients under 16 years of age.
The use of other medications active against HIV in combination with ISENTRESS may increase the likelihood of your overall response to treatment. Your doctor will work with you to find the right combination of HIV medications.
The long-term benefits and side effects of treatment with ISENTRESS are unknown at this time. It is important that you remain under your doctor's care. There are no study results demonstrating the effect of ISENTRESS on clinical progression of HIV-1.
ISENTRESS will NOT cure HIV infection or reduce your chance of passing HIV to others through sexual contact, sharing needles, or being exposed to your blood.
ISENTRESS must be used with other anti-HIV medicines.
IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION:
Immune reconstitution syndrome can happen in some patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS) when anti-HIV treatment is started. Signs and symptoms of inflammation from opportunistic infections may occur as the medicines work to control the HIV infection and strengthen the immune system. Call your doctor right away if you notice any signs or symptoms of an infection after starting ISENTRESS.
Contact your doctor promptly if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking ISENTRESS.
When ISENTRESS has been given with other anti-HIV drugs, the most common side effects included diarrhea, nausea, and headache.
People taking ISENTRESS may still develop infections, including opportunistic infections or other conditions that occur with HIV infection.
Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you have any allergies, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. ISENTRESS is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women with HIV should not breast-feed because their babies could be infected with HIV through their breast milk.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines such as rifampin (a medicine used to treat some infections such as tuberculosis), non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Isentress (raltegravir, MK-0518)