Raltegravir

Uses of Raltegravir

Raltegravir is commonly used to treat HIV Infection

How Raltegravir Works

Raltegravir is an HIV integrase inhibitor that is able to prevent the viral genome to incorporate into the host cell genome and thus preventing the gene expression and viral replication.

Side Effects of Raltegravir

Skin rash, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Liver dysfunction, Kidney failure, Increased triglycerides and cholesterol, Hyperglycaemia, Rhabdomyolysis, Osteonecrosis, Decreased white blood cells/platelets

Warnings

Kidney Safe If Prescribed

Raltegravir is safe to be used in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor.

Alcohol Not Advisable

Alcohol can further damage the liver which is one of the side effects of Raltegravir. Thus, it is not advisable to consume alcohol during the treatment with Raltegravir.

Pregnancy Not Safe

Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicities but human studies have not shown any reproductive toxicities. Thus, caution use of Raltegravir has to be practised during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor.

Driving Not advisable

Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Raltegravir may cause side effects such as dizziness which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive.

Liver Use With Care

Caution use has to be practised in patients with severe liver impairment as safety and efficacy of Raltegravir have not been established in this group of patients. Please consult your doctor.

Lactation Not Advisable

Excretion of Raltegravir is found in animal milk but not in human breast milk. An HIV-infected woman should not breastfeed to prevent HIV transmission, developing viral resistance and serious side effects onto the breastfed babies. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

  • Products

    Available medicines with Raltegravir
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