Isentress

Isentress is used for treating HIV infection and AIDS. Although the drug is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, it can help prevent the virus from entering a cell and multiplying. Isentress comes in tablet form and is generally taken twice a day. Potential side effects include nausea, headaches, and fever.

What Is Isentress?

Isentress™ (raltegravir) is a prescription medication used as a treatment for HIV and AIDS. This medication should always be used in combination with other HIV medications.
 
(Click Isentress Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Isentress?

The medication is made by Merck & Co., Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

Isentress is the first medication available in a group of HIV medications known as integrase inhibitors. These medicines work by blocking a process that the HIV virus needs in order to multiply.
 
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. Like other viruses, HIV must use a person's own cells to reproduce. Once the virus makes copies of its DNA (its genetic material), it inserts the viral DNA into the DNA of the infected human cell. As a result, it can use the human cell's own machinery to make new copies of the virus.
 
Isentress inhibits an enzyme called integrase. Integrase is necessary for the viral DNA to be inserted into the human DNA. By inhibiting integrase, Isentress helps to prevent the virus from making new copies of itself. However, it is important to remember that Isentress is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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