Isentress® (raltegravir) tablets and chewables for HIV-1 treatment

What Isentress® Is and How It Works

Isentress (raltegravir) is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor used with other antiretrovirals to treat HIV-1. It blocks the HIV integrase enzyme, which prevents viral DNA from inserting into human DNA. This helps reduce viral load and supports CD4 cell recovery. Adults often use 400 mg tablets twice daily or the HD 600 mg tablets once daily. Pediatric patients may use chewable tablets or oral suspension with weight-based dosing. You can buy Isentress online at Canadian prices, including options even without insurance.

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Isentress is made by Merck. The medicine is taken by mouth, with or without food. The chewable tablet and oral suspension are designed for children and infants, and dosing is not interchangeable milligram-for-milligram with film-coated tablets. Your prescriber selects the form and regimen based on age, weight, prior therapy, and drug interactions.

Dosage and Usage

• Adults new to therapy may use 400 mg film-coated tablets twice daily, or 1,200 mg once daily (two 600 mg HD tablets) when appropriate.
• Patients on strong inducers such as rifampin usually avoid the once-daily HD option; prescribers may adjust the twice-daily regimen.
• Pediatric dosing uses chewable tablets or oral suspension based on weight and is usually twice daily. Follow the prescribed chart.
• Swallow 400 mg or 600 mg film-coated tablets whole. Do not chew, split, or crush them.
• Chewable tablets may be chewed or swallowed. The oral suspension is mixed as directed and used right away.
• Take Isentress with or without food. Keep a consistent routine.
• Avoid aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids. Separate from mineral or iron supplements when advised.
• Missed dose: take it when remembered unless it is near the next dose. Do not double up.
• Drug interactions include rifampin and other enzyme inducers (e.g., certain anticonvulsants). Always share a full medication list.

• Store tablets at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Short excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed with the desiccant inside. Protect from moisture.
• Do not freeze the oral suspension. Use mixed suspension promptly as directed.
• Travel with Isentress in your carry-on in original packaging with your prescription label.
• Avoid heat, direct sun, and car glove boxes. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Isentress works quickly to lower HIV-1 RNA when combined with a complete regimen. Many people tolerate it well and can choose once-daily HD tablets or twice-daily dosing based on their plan. Chewable tablets and oral suspension offer flexible dosing for infants and children. The medicine has few food restrictions and a generally favorable interaction profile compared with some older agents.

You can save 60–80% versus typical US prices by ordering through YouDrugstore. Compare the isentress 400 mg price with the HD option and pediatric forms to match your prescription. Multi-month supplies and bulk promotions can lower the per-month cost. If you pay out of pocket, Isentress without insurance can still be more affordable at Canadian pricing. You can also set gentle reorder reminders so you do not run short.

For current deals, see our isentress coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia.
• Laboratory changes: mild increases in liver enzymes or creatine kinase (CK).
• Rash or itching may occur; report persistent or severe cases.
• Injection-site reactions do not apply because Isentress is oral.
• Rare mood changes such as depression or anxiety have been reported.
• Muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine can suggest muscle injury; seek care.

Serious but uncommon risks include severe skin reactions (Stevens–Johnson syndrome), hypersensitivity reactions with fever or organ involvement, rhabdomyolysis, and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). People with hepatitis B or C may have higher liver-related risks. Avoid aluminum/magnesium antacids. Strong inducers like rifampin can lower raltegravir levels; clinicians may adjust dosing or regimen. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with your provider.

Onset Time

Viral load often drops within 2–4 weeks when Isentress is combined with other active antiretrovirals and taken as prescribed. Many patients approach undetectable levels by 8–24 weeks, depending on baseline viral load, adherence, and the companion medicines. CD4 counts may rise gradually over months. If lab results are not improving as expected, your provider may reassess adherence, interactions, or the treatment backbone.

Compare With Alternatives

Single-tablet regimens simplify therapy for many adults. Biktarvy® combines bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide in one once-daily tablet and has a high barrier to resistance. It includes two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), so no separate backbone is needed.

Odefsey® is an NNRTI-based single-tablet option (rilpivirine/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) for virologically suppressed or selected treatment-naïve adults with lower baseline viral loads and no resistance to components.

Apretude (cabotegravir) is a long-acting injectable for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), not treatment. People focused on prevention may consider it with clinical guidance, while those treating HIV-1 need a full suppressive regimen such as Isentress with a two-drug NRTI backbone or an approved single-tablet alternative.

Combination Therapy

• With two NRTIs (e.g., emtricitabine/tenofovir) as a standard backbone.
• With boosted protease inhibitors in selected resistant cases, per specialist guidance.
• Avoid aluminum/magnesium antacids; separate from mineral supplements if advised.
• Rifampin and other enzyme inducers may require regimen or dose adjustments.
• Continue companion drugs as prescribed to maintain full suppression.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Isentress is used for adults and pediatric patients, including infants on the oral suspension. It may suit people who need flexible dosing, have specific interaction concerns, or prefer a regimen without food restrictions. It may not fit those taking strong inducers like rifampin when once-daily dosing is desired. People with a history of severe rash, significant myopathy, or severe psychiatric symptoms need careful assessment. Share all medicines, vitamins, and supplements, especially antacids and anticonvulsants.

Expect regular bloodwork to monitor viral load, CD4 count, liver enzymes, and CK when indicated. If you use statins or have muscle symptoms, your provider may monitor more closely. For pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance, follow local expert recommendations and discuss risks and benefits.

To manage costs, review the isentress 400 mg cost on this page, and compare with HD or pediatric forms specified on your prescription. Ordering a multi-month supply can reduce shipping fees per month. Reorder reminders help you stay on schedule. If you face a high isentress cash price locally, Canadian pharmacy pricing may reduce your out-of-pocket spend. You can still find relief on Isentress no insurance through our competitive rates.

Authoritative Sources

Merck Isentress (raltegravir) Prescribing Information

Health Canada Product Monograph: ISENTRESS

FDA Labeling: ISENTRESS and ISENTRESS HD

Order Isentress® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about diagnosis, treatment, and medication questions.