Isentress
(raltegravir)
Get free couponsTivicay
(dolutegravir)
Get free couponsSummary for Isentress
Isentress (raltegravir) is used treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in adults and children. It's a type of HIV medication called an integrase inhibitor. Isentress (raltegravir) comes as regular tablets, chewable tablets, and granules for oral suspension. Depending on your dose, you take it by mouth once or twice a day. Side effects include headache, trouble sleeping, and nausea. Isentress (raltegravir) is taken with other HIV medications as part of a full treatment plan.
Indications for Isentress
- Treatment of HIV
Pros and Cons for Isentress
Pros
- Can take with or without food
- Approved for both adults and children
- Available as chewable tablets and an oral suspension for young children
- Often causes few side effects
Cons
- Must take with other HIV medications
- Not a first-choice option for HIV for most people new to treatment according to clinical guidelines
- Might not be a good option for people at risk of muscle damage or rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
- Can interact with certain antacids
Common Side Effects for Isentress
- Headache (4%)
- Trouble sleeping (4%)
- Nausea (3%)
Warnings for Isentress
- Severe skin reactions and allergic reactions
- Overactive immune system
- Possible muscle damage
- Chewable tablets not recommended for people with phenylketonuria (PKU)
Summary for Tivicay
Tivicay (dolutegravir) is a medication that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Some side effects can include trouble sleeping, tiredness, and headache, but they aren't very common with this medication. Tivicay (dolutegravir) comes as two different formulations: a tablet that you swallow whole and a tablet that you mix in water to make into a liquid solution. Tivicay (dolutegravir) is only available as a brand-name medication; there's no generic at this time.
Indications for Tivicay
- Treatment of HIV infection in people aged 4 weeks and older
Pros and Cons for Tivicay
Pros
- Can take with or without food
- Available for adults and children at least 4 weeks old and weighing at least 7 pounds
- Has an oral tablet formulation that can be dissolved in water and taken as a solution (Tivicay PD), so it's convenient if you have trouble swallowing pills
Cons
- Interacts with a lot of medications, such as some other HIV medications, anti-seizure medications (e.g., oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)), and antacids
- Can't take with dofetilide (Tikosyn) because of risk of serious side events
- Not recommended for use if you have severe liver problems
Common Side Effects for Tivicay
The following side effects were reported in adults taking this medication with other HIV ARVs. Side effects might differ in children.
- Higher lipase levels (up to 11%)
- Higher blood sugar levels (up to 9%)
- Higher creatine kinase levels in the blood (up to 7%)
- Abnormal liver labs (up to 5%)
- Trouble sleeping (up to 3%)
- Headache (up to 2%)
- Feeling tired (up to 2%)
Warnings for Tivicay
- Allergic reaction
- Liver problems
- Overactive immune system
- Interactions with other medications
- Harm to unborn baby
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