Raltegravir

Raltegravir is an antiretrovirals. It is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It prevents the multiplication of viruses in human cells and clears up your infection.

Raltegravir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS and only helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body. This helps to lower your risk of getting HIV-related complications and improves your lifespan. It is prescribed in combination with other HIV medicines. Your doctor will recommend the best medicines for you and will decide the doses that you need. Follow the instructions carefully, for all the medicines that you are given. It may be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time. Avoid taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take this medicine. It is important not to miss doses and to keep taking them until your doctor tells you it is safe to stop.

Some of the common side effects include insomnia (difficulty sleeping), headache, nausea, dizziness, and muscle pain. These are usually not serious but tell your doctor if they bother you or persist for a longer duration. Rarely, some people may experience a skin reaction or liver damage. Your doctor will closely monitor you for these in the initial period of treatment.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any skin problems or liver or kidney disease. While using it, you may need regular blood tests to check your blood counts and liver function. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver damage. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using this medicine. Do not have unprotected sex or share personal items like razors or toothbrushes, if you are HIV positive. Talk to your doctor about safe ways like condoms to prevent HIV transmission during sex.

• HIV infection

HIV infection
Raltegravir prevents the HIV virus from multiplying in your body. It helps control the infection and makes your immune system work better. This lowers your chances of getting complications such as new infections and improves your quality of life. This medicine is always taken in combination with other antiretroviral medicines.

It is not a cure of HIV or AIDS and should not be used to prevent HIV after accidental exposure to a risk. It is important that you take this medicine as prescribed, following the dosage recommended by your doctor. Taking all doses in the right amount at the right times greatly increases the effectiveness of your combination of medicines and reduces the chances of your HIV infection becoming resistant to antiretroviral medicines. However, taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Zepdon

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Abnormal dreams
• Decreased appetite
• Depression
• Flatulence
• Nightmares
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Raltegravir may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Raltegravir is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of HIV virus in human cells. Thus stops the HIV virus from producing new viruses.

• Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time every day.
• Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
• Do not take antacids or calcium supplements an hour before or two hours after taking Raltegravir.
• Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your blood cell counts and liver function during treatment with this medicine.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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