Raltegravir (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a patient package insert. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.

It is important to take this medicine together with other medicines for HIV. Be sure to take all of the medicines your doctor ordered, and to take them at the right times.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

You may chew or swallow the chewable tablets whole. However, the film-coated tablets must be swallowed whole.

Do not substitute the chewable tablets with the film-coated tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not change or stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. When your supply of this medicine is running low, contact your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For treatment of HIV infection:
  • For oral dosage form (chewable tablets):
    • Children 6 to less than 12 years of age and weighing at least 25 kilograms (kg)—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 150 milligrams (mg) two times a day. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg two times a day.
    • Children 6 to less than 12 years of age and weighing less than 25 kg—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 75 to 150 mg two times a day. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg two times a day.
    • Children 2 to less than 6 years of age and weighing at least 10 kg—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 75 mg two times a day. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg two times a day.
    • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (film-coated tablets):
    • Adults, teenagers, and children 12 years of age and older—400 milligrams (mg) two times a day.
    • Children 6 to less than 12 years of age and weighing at least 25 kilograms (kg)—400 mg two times a day.
    • Children 6 to less than 12 years of age and weighing less than 25 kg—Use of chewable tablets recommended.
    • Children 2 to less than 6 years of age and weighing at least 10 kg—Use of chewable tablets recommended.
    • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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