Description
Not until 40 years ago, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) was an unknown infection in the USA. Today about 1.1 million are living with it, as it has spread rapidly due to the unavailability of effective medicines to treat it.
To date, medications highly effective in tackling the virus have been developed, and people infected with it can go on to live long and healthy lives. Isentress (raltegravir) is one such drug, and it is widely available for purchase at some designated facilities and in walk-in stores. However, as expected, all treatments come at a cost, and the same applies to this med. Generally, the price will depend on where you’re getting it from. We will take a look at this drug – what it is, how it works, possible side effects, and also how to save cash buying it.
What Is Raltegravir Isentress Used For?
Raltegravir is a highly effective medication that has been approved by the United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the treatment of HIV in both children and adults. Raltegravir is available in two formulations: Isentress, which is our focus, and Isentress HD. While the latter is the approved formulation for adults and children who weigh at least 40 kg (88 lb), Isentress is that approved for those weighing at least 4.4 lb (2 kg).
Raltegravir Isentress is used for the control and management of HIV as well as helping to reduce the risk of transmission from partner to partner or from infected mother to child. Though this drug cannot cure HIV, just like every other drug currently available, it can prevent viral replication. However, this can only be achieved if it is taken every day, and prescription is strictly adhered to.
Raltegravir must be taken in combination with other anti-HIV drugs for the effective treatment of the infection. A doctor or healthcare provider is in the best position to help you determine what combination to follow.
How Does the Medication Work?
To understand how this medication works, getting a grasp of how HIV infects an individual will be very helpful.
When the virus is introduced to the body, it launches an attack on T-cells or CD4+ cells of the individual, attaches itself and starts replicating.
With the viral genetic material now part of the host’s DNA and rapid multiplication, it grows exponentially and starts attacking and destroying the immune system until it becomes weak enough that just about any disease can thrive.
However, for the virus to insert its DNA in the host’s CD4 cells DNA after infection, it uses an enzyme known as integrase. Because integration is very important in the life cycle of HIV, the virus cannot survive without it.
Isentress 400 mg being part of a class of anti-HIV drugs called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) disrupts the integration process. This way, it slows down or completely puts an end to the replication process.
Basic Tips About Isentress 400 mg Intake
Isentress 400 mg is one of several strengths of raltegravir available in the film-coated tablet form. Before taking these pills, you should consult with a doctor to determine what strength best fits your needs.
This drug must be taken with a glass of water, with or without food. The film-coated tabs should be administered whole and never be halved in the bid to achieve a lower or higher dose. While there are other forms of this med such as granules for oral suspension and chewable tabs, users are advised against switching among them. If you find one of the forms inconvenient, have a talk with your healthcare provider before making a switch.
Isentress 400 mg does not work on its own, and so, should be taken alongside other HIV drugs for it to work.
Common & Rare Side Effects
Certain side effects that may be mild or severe can result from the use of this med. The mild negative reactions are common and often result from unfamiliarity with the drug. These side effects usually do not last long, and they go away as a user gets used to the drug.
That said, some common negative after-effects of this medicine include:
- occasional dizziness;
- nausea;
- upset stomach;
- flushing;
- headache.
The above-listed adverse reactions are manageable and can sometimes even be treated with some other drug. However, a doctor must be the one to make any prescriptions to save you from taking a med that can interact with Isentress.
On the other hand, some severe negative after-effects that may occur with the use of this drug include:
- unfamiliar weakness and tenderness;
- muscle pain. This is not to be taken lightly, as it may be a sign of an impending kidney problem;
- immune system changes commonly referred to as IRIS (immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome). This condition occurs sometimes as the immune system recovers from the damage caused by the virus. An increased response to previously hidden infections may take place, as the immune system becomes stronger.
Users are advised to make an immediate report to their healthcare provider should they experience any adverse reactions that refuse to go away.
This text is not a comprehensive list of all the possible side effects that may result from the use of this drug. To get more info on possible negative reactions, you may read the drug label or discuss with a pharmacist or doctor.
Main Interplays with Medication
Isentress can interact with certain other drugs. Due to this fact, rapt attention should be paid to the things one takes while undergoing treatment with it. A drug interaction can reduce the efficacy of tabs, change the possible side effects, and may even cause serious discomfort to a user.
A good step to take towards avoiding an interaction is to inform your doctor of all drugs you’re on, those you took before commencing treatment with Isentress as well as those you stopped taking.
Some drugs that interact with this medicine include:
- Gemfibrozil;
- Zidovudine;
- Rifampin;
- medicines for treating high cholesterol, such as Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor, and many others.
The above-listed drugs are not all that can possibly interact with Isentress raltegravir. There are other meds (prescription and non-prescription) not mentioned in this guide as well as some herbal products, foods, and supplements.
For a comprehensive list of substances, this med can interact with, check drug labels or discuss with a doctor or pharmacist.
User Reviews and Ratings
So far, experiences shared by users of this drug via reliable online pharmacies have been positive. A majority of them have expressed their satisfaction with the product, emphasizing its ease of use and effectiveness. What’s more, while this category of patients hardly complained of stubborn side effects, a small fraction of individuals tendered complaints about them. The greatest discomfort complained about as observed on these platforms was severe dizziness, tiredness, and headache that would not go.
Though these side effects are considered normal for first-time users, some of the cases have been linked to incorrect use of the drug (for example, overdosing).
Based on the number of positive reviews compared to the negatives, one can rightly say that Isentress 400 mg is definitely a great choice when looking around for an effective anti-HIV drug with minimal negative side effects.
How to Order Isentress 400 mg Anti-HIV Tablets?
This drug is widely available and can be bought from just about any healthcare center. However, most users prefer to buy it online once prescribed by their healthcare provider. This may be due to convenience (getting their package delivered to their doorstep). But just as it is with other medications, users are advised to patronize trustworthy online pharmacies only so that they can be sure of getting genuine pills that will be effective and result in no unnecessary side effects.
BuyPrEPOnline is one of the online pharmacies you can trust with your high-grade Isentress 400 mg tablets as well as other anti-HIV medicines. Besides selling at one of the best prices online, we offer great discounts to customers and ensure speedy delivery. On BuyPrEPOnline, ordering this drug is very simple, just as ordering a product on Amazon. All you need do is locate Isentress via the search box at the top right corner of our website. Click on the particular quantity of tabs you intend to buy and add it to the cart. Lastly, click to proceed to the checkout page where you will be required to fill out a billing form. Do this, order, and in less than 2 hours, your products will be on their way to your doorstep.
