elvitegravir

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Pronunciation: EL vi TEG ra vir

Brand: Vitekta

What is the most important information I should know about elvitegravir?

You should not use elvitegravir if you are also taking dofetilide (Tikosyn).

What is elvitegravir?

Elvitegravir is an antiviral medicine that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Elvitegravir is used with other antiviral medications to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Elvitegravir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Elvitegravir is usually given after other HIV medicines have been tried without success.

Elvitegravir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking elvitegravir?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to elvitegravir or if you are also taking cobicistat (Stribild, Tybost) or any other medicines that contain elvitegravir.

To make sure elvitegravir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease, especially hepatitis B or C.

Elvitegravir is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant and take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of elvitegravir on the baby.

Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

How should I take elvitegravir?

Elvitegravir is usually taken once per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take with food.

Elvitegravir must be taken together with ritonavir (Norvir) and one other HIV medicine. Your doctor may prescribe one of the following:

  • atazanavir (Reyataz);
  • darunavir (Prezista);
  • fosamprenavir (Lexiva);
  • lopinavir/ritonavir combination (Kaletra); or
  • tipranavir (Aptivus).

If you are switched from one of these medicines to another, your elvitegravir dose needs may change. Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions.

While using elvitegravir, you may need frequent blood tests.

Use all medicines as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Use your medicines regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescriptions refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store elvitegravir in the original container at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking elvitegravir?

Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take elvitegravir. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb elvitegravir.

Taking HIV medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

What are the possible side effects of elvitegravir?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Elvitegravir may increase your risk of certain infections or autoimmune disorders by changing the way your immune system works. Symptoms may occur weeks or months after you start treatment with elvitegravir. Tell your doctor if you have:

  • signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands, mouth sores, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss;
  • chest pain (especially when you breathe), dry cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath;
  • cold sores, sores on your genital or anal area;
  • rapid heart rate, feeling anxious or irritable, weakness or prickly feeling, problems with balance or eye movement;
  • trouble speaking or swallowing, severe lower back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control; or
  • swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence, loss of interest in sex.

Common side effects may include:

  • diarrhea;
  • nausea; or
  • headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect elvitegravir?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with elvitegravir, especially:

  • bosentan;
  • buprenorphine, naloxone;
  • dexamethasone;
  • ketoconazole;
  • methadone;
  • St. John's wort;
  • hepatitis C medications --boceprevir, telaprevir;
  • hormonal birth control --pills, injections, implants, skin patches, vaginal rings;
  • other HIV or AIDS medicines --didanosine, efavirenz, nevirapine;
  • seizure medication --carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin; or
  • tuberculosis medicine --rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with elvitegravir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about elvitegravir.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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