What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Isentress (Raltegravir)
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
ISENTRESS (Raltegravir) can be prescribed as part of a combination of drugs to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
HIV is a virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is a long-term infection that is eventually fatal if left untreated. Successful treatment of HIV infection can delay the development of AIDS, and can sometimes cause long-term remission.
ISENTRESS works by blocking a critical protein involved in HIV replication called HIV-1 integrase. ISENTRESS exhibits antiviral activity by blocking HIV-1 integrase, which prevents the virus from replicating.
Directions
Take ISENTRESS exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
For patients who have never taken ISENTRESS, the dose is 400 mg by mouth twice daily OR 1200 mg by mouth once daily.
Patients who have used ISENTRESS in the past should take 400 mg by mouth twice daily.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in ISENTRESS is raltegravir.
Fact Table
Formula
C20H21FN6O5
License
AU, EU EMA, US FDA
Bioavailability
60%
Legal status
RX Only
Chemical Name
Raltegravir
Elimination half-life
9 hours
Dosage (Strength)
400mg (60 tablets), 600mg (60 tablets)
Pregnancy
Consult a doctor
Brands
Isentress
Protein binding
83%
PubChem CID
54671008
MedlinePlus
a608004
ChEBI
82960
ATC code
J05AJ01
DrugBank
DB06817
KEGG
D06676
Routes of administration
Oral
Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications. Drug interactions can raise or lower the amount of ISENTRESS in the blood, which can cause the treatment to fail or to be too toxic.
Some examples of drugs that interact with ISENTRESS include:
- Aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids
- Calcium carbonate
- Carbamazepine
- Etravirine
- Fosamprenavir
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
- Tipranavir/ritonavir
Cautions
Once-daily dosing cannot be used for pregnant patients.
Severe skin reactions have been reported like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrosis. Call your doctor if you have any skin reactions while taking ISENTRESS.
The prescriber should monitor for Immune Reconstitution Syndrome while taking ISENTRESS.
The chewable tablet should be used with caution in patients with phenylketonuria.
Side Effects
The following are common ISENTRESS side effects:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea
References
Isentress [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck; 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions about Isentress (Raltegravir)
What is Isentress (Raltegravir) used for?
Isentress is a prescription medicine used alongside other antiretroviral medications to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and children. Specifically, Isentress is approved for use in children weighing at least 4.4 pounds (2 kg), while its variant, Isentress HD, is approved for those weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kg).
How should Isentress be taken?
Isentress should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, and it's crucial not to change the dose or stop the treatment without consulting your doctor. The film-coated tablets should be swallowed whole, and patients should adhere to a regular dosing schedule as instructed by the healthcare provider?.
What are the possible side effects of Isentress?
Some individuals may experience severe skin reactions and allergic reactions that could be serious or life-threatening when taking Isentress. Common side effects include trouble sleeping, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and tiredness. Less common but severe side effects include depression, hepatitis, genital herpes, kidney failure, suicidal thoughts, and muscle problems that could lead to kidney issues?.
Can Isentress be taken during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's important to discuss with your doctor before taking Isentress. The effects of Isentress on an unborn baby are not known, hence it's crucial to have a medical consultation to evaluate the risks and benefits?.
What should I avoid while taking Isentress?
Certain medicines may interact with Isentress, potentially affecting its efficacy. These include antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium; rifampin; tipranavir/ritonavir; etravirine; and others like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin. It's advisable to disclose all the medications you are on to your healthcare provider to avoid any adverse interactions?.
How should Isentress be stored?
Isentress and Isentress HD should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F, and should not be refrigerated?.
Is there a generic version of Isentress?
As of the last update, there is no lower-cost generic version available for Isentress?.
How does Isentress work?
Isentress is classified as an integrase inhibitor, which works by inhibiting the virus's integrase enzyme, thus preventing the HIV virus from replicating and reducing the viral load in the body?.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
It's advisable to follow the dosing schedule provided by your doctor and to consult them if you miss a dose to understand the steps you should take?.
Is there any important information I should know about Isentress?
It's crucial to remain under the care of your healthcare provider while on Isentress treatment, and to get a refill before you run out of the medication to prevent the virus in your blood from increasing and becoming harder to treat?.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 11553
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