Rescriptor

Rescriptor is a medication that is used as part of a "cocktail" to treat HIV and AIDS. It can help stop the virus from spreading to uninfected cells in the body, but is not a cure. The medication, which is available by prescription, comes in tablet form and is generally taken three times a day. Potential side effects of Rescriptor include headache, weakness, and nausea.

Rescriptor Drug Information

What Is Rescriptor?

Rescriptor^® (delavirdine mesylate) is a prescription medicine used as a treatment for HIV and AIDS. It is approved for use only in combination with at least two other HIV medications.

(Click Rescriptor Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Rescriptor?

Rescriptor is made by Pfizer, Inc.

How Does Rescriptor Work?

Rescriptor belongs to a group of HIV medications known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). 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, it must use a person's own cells to reproduce. However, HIV is a little different from other viruses because it must first convert its genetic material from RNA to DNA. It is the DNA genes that allow the virus to multiply.

HIV converts its genetic material by using a special protein called the reverse transcriptase enzyme. To create DNA, this enzyme uses several different protein building-blocks.

Rescriptor works by attaching to the reverse transcriptase enzyme, stopping it from making DNA. Without DNA, HIV cannot multiply.

Rescriptor is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. It can help stop HIV from infecting healthy cells in the body, but it does not help cells that have already been infected with the virus.

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