Isentress Uses

Isentress uses include treating HIV infection and AIDS in adults. By inhibiting integrase, the medication can stop the HIV virus from multiplying. Isentress is always used in conjunction with other HIV medications to prevent the virus from developing a resistance to the HIV drugs. There are no off-label Isentress uses at this time, nor is it approved for use in children.

 

Isentress Uses: An Overview

Isentress™ (raltegravir) is a prescription medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. It is the first of a group of medications known as integrase inhibitors. Isentress may be helpful for many people, especially those who have developed HIV infections that are resistant to other types of HIV medications.
 
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was initially reported in the United States in 1981. Since then, it has become a significant worldwide epidemic. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Initially, an HIV infection does not usually cause any obvious symptoms (see HIV Symptoms). However, by killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV will eventually begin to progressively destroy the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers (see AIDS Symptoms).
 
HIV is commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. Transmission also happens through contact with infected blood, which frequently occurs among IV drug users (who share needles or syringes contaminated with blood from someone infected with the virus). Women with HIV can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
 
Isentress is usually reserved for people who have tried other HIV medications without success and who are, therefore, likely to be resistant to other HIV medications. It is not intended to be used alone. Instead, it is used as part of an HIV "cocktail." These cocktails usually consist of three or four different HIV medications (technically known as highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART). Using a combination of medications helps to prevent the virus from becoming resistant to one or more of the drugs.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;