Raltegravir

Raltegravir is one of the integrase inhibitors used to treat HIV-1. HIV carries an enzyme, integrase, that slots its genetic material into the DNA of the cells it infects, and raltegravir blocks that step. With the insertion stopped, the virus cannot copy itself properly and levels of HIV in the blood drop.

What raltegravir is used for

Raltegravir treats HIV-1 infection, both for people starting therapy and for people who have taken other HIV medicines before, and it is always combined with other HIV medicines. It acts at a stage of the virus's life cycle that other classes do not touch. The virus is suppressed, not cleared, so the immune system gets room to recover and the chance of AIDS-related illness falls; that is why the tablets continue when you feel well, and why missed doses, which let the virus develop resistance, are worth avoiding.

A typical day has one 400mg tablet in the morning and one in the evening at roughly the same hours, swallowed whole with water and with or without food. Chewable tablets and granules to mix with water also exist, dosed twice a day like the standard tablet.

Isentress and Zepdon: two 400mg tablets

Two raltegravir products are sold here, both 400mg tablets: Isentress and Zepdon. They share the ingredient, the strength and the HIV-1 use, so what separates them is the brand name on the pack. Either one slots into a twice-daily routine next to other HIV medicines, and the HIV page lists the rest of the shop's HIV treatments.

Side effects to expect

Headache, poor sleep, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea and tiredness are the reports that come up most. A severe skin rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing needs urgent treatment. Rarely the liver or muscles are affected; yellow skin or eyes, or muscle pain alongside dark urine, are the signs to watch for. The pack is best kept away from heat and damp.