Isentress (Raltegravir) Side Effects
Side effects of Isentress (Raltegravir)
Alongside other medicines used in HIV treatment, Isentress is also subject to different adverse reactions. This prescription drug may be a big help to those who suffer from the hostile effects of the human immunodeficiency virus, it can still give individuals distinct side effects once consumed. Below is the list of reactions you will likely experience once you start your Isentress treatment. Note that these reactions are categorized as the most common and severe. Also, learn from your healthcare professional how to manage these unwanted reactions.
List of side effects needing urgent medical care:
These side effects are considered the most severe. This is where you need to consult your healthcare professional immediately to ensure that the reactions do not complicate or ignite other health concerns. Sometimes, these reactions can push an individual to get hospitalized as they can impair the body and cause different medical problems.
- Skin rashes
- Burning sensation in the skin
- Urination problems (urinating with blood)
- Dark-coloured urine
- Irregular heartbeat
- Recurrent fever
- Unexplained thirst
- Increased hunger
- Irritability
- Severe pain in the joints
- Swollen joints
- Stiffness
- Light-coloured stools
- Lack of appetite
- Pain in the lower back
- Severe nausea
- The appearance of painful blisters
- Vomiting
- The appearance of cold sores
- Sores in different parts of the body
- Pain in the genitals
- Hives
- Severe itchiness
- Skin redness
- Swollen face
- Swollen legs, feet, and hands
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained tiredness
- Extreme weakness
- Severe stomach ache
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Rapid weight gain
- Black stools
- Gums that are bleeding
- Severe headache
- Pain in the muscles
- Severe bruising
- Unexplained bleeding
List of side effects that DO NOT need urgent medical care:
Aside from the list of severe reactions, there are also a good number of the most common side effects of consuming Isentress. Compared to the severe ones, these common reactions are easily managed and do not need to be reported to the healthcare professional.
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Bloating
- Psychological problems (depression, anxiety, delusions)
- Episodes of heartburn
- Lack of strength
- Pain in the stomach
- Tenderness of the stomach
- Indigestion
- Behavioural changes
- Nervousness
- Mild diarrhea
- Mild headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Skin rashes
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
While the most common adverse reactions are manageable, they can still pose health concerns if they remain persistent in the body. If this phenomenon occurs, that’s the time you need to report to your healthcare professional. In some cases, if this medicine does not fit you, you will be given another form of an antiretroviral drug to use. An alternative treatment will be provided to ensure that the disease is solved and will not cause more health complications.
Furthermore, always follow the instructions stated in the prescription as this can lessen the side effects you will experience. Doing so will help the treatment progress and will help you recover quickly. While on the treatment, you must also observe the necessary precautionary measures to ensure that the virus does not transmit or spread to other hosts and infect them.