Raltegravir and HIV: What You Need to Know

18 Apr 2025

Raltegravir: What You Need to Know

If you or someone you love is living with HIV, you might hear the name Raltegravir (pronounced ral-TEG-ra-veer). It’s a medication that helps keep HIV under control. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.

What Is Raltegravir?

Raltegravir is a medicine used to treat HIV-1, the most common type of HIV. It’s usually taken along with other HIV medications as part of a combination therapy.

It’s sold under the brand name Isentress, and it’s been used safely for many years to help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives.

How Does It Work?

HIV works by sneaking into your body’s immune cells and putting its own genetic material into them — kind of like hijacking your system.

Raltegravir stops HIV from doing this. It blocks a special step in the virus’s process — the step where HIV tries to connect its DNA to yours. Without this step, the virus can’t multiply properly.

So, while Raltegravir doesn’t cure HIV, it helps control the virus, lowers the amount of HIV in your body (your viral load), and helps protect your immune system.

How Do You Take It?

Usually taken once or twice a day, depending on the version your doctor prescribes.
Can be taken with or without food.
Comes in tablets, chewable tablets, or oral powder (for babies and young children).
Always take it exactly how your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Don’t skip doses — it’s important for keeping HIV under control.

Who Can Take Raltegravir?

Raltegravir is approved for:

Adults
Teenagers
Children (even babies as young as 4 weeks old)

It’s also considered safe for pregnant women, which is great for people who are managing HIV during pregnancy.

Benefits of Raltegravir

Here’s why many people use Raltegravir:

Works quickly to lower HIV levels
Fewer side effects for most people
Fewer drug interactions than some other HIV meds (safer with other medications)
Safe for kids and adults

Are There Any Side Effects?

Most people do well with Raltegravir, but like any medicine, it can cause side effects.

Some people may feel:

Headaches
Nausea or upset stomach
Tiredness
Trouble sleeping

More serious side effects are rare but can include:

Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
Muscle pain or weakness
Changes in mood (like feeling low or anxious)
If you ever feel unwell or notice something unusual while taking Raltegravir, talk to your doctor right away.

What If I Miss a Dose?

Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. If you miss a dose:

Take it as soon as you remember
But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
Never double up on doses

Missing too many doses can make the medicine less effective and give the virus a chance to become resistant.

The Bottom Line

Raltegravir is a trusted and effective medication that helps people with HIV live full, healthy lives. When taken as part of a daily routine and combined with other HIV medicines, it can: