Isentress
Developed to target human immunodeficiency virus infection to alleviate viral load.
- Category
- HIV Management
- Active ingredient
- Raltegravir
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 400mg
Isentress details
- Condition
- HIV Infection
- Alternative names
- Zepdon
- Therapeutic class
- Integrase Inhibitor
- Pharmacological class
- HIV-1 Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to raltegravir
- Minor side effects
- headache; nausea; diarrhoea; insomnia
- Moderate side effects
- abdominal pain; elevated liver enzymes
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- Merck Sharp & Dohme
- Onset Time
- 1–4 hours
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 30°C in the original packaging.
- Drug interactions
- Rifampicin; St. John's Wort
- Age restrictions
- Dosage adjusted based on weight and age.
Precautions and warnings
monitor for symptoms of immune reconstitution syndrome; use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment
Serious side effects
rhabdomyolysis, requires immediate medical attention; severe skin reactions, requires immediate medical attention; myopathy, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
developed to target human immunodeficiency virus infection to alleviate viral load.
Mechanism of action
This medicine acts as an integrase strand transfer inhibitor, blocking the enzyme that the virus requires to replicate and integrate its genetic material into the host cell DNA.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk. Breastfeeding: breastfeeding is generally not recommended for HIV positive mothers.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Isentress
Isentress is the original formulation of Raltegravir, a medication used in the management of HIV Infection. This active ingredient is also known as Zepdon. Developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme, Isentress is supplied as a 400mg tablet to assist in therapeutic regimens. Access to these standardized options helps maintain consistency in long-term health management for individuals living throughout the region.
Isentress availability in Asia
Isentress is registered across 14 markets, including Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand, with additional availability in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. As with many therapies used for chronic conditions, generic Raltegravir produced in centres like India is often more affordable than the original brand. This wider availability supports expats and residents who require reliable access to consistent medication despite distance from a standard supply chain. As with any antiretroviral treatment, this medicine is best used under the ongoing guidance of a qualified doctor to ensure health goals are met appropriately.