Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Intelence

Generic Name: etravirine (Pronunciation: E tra VIR een)

• What is etravirine (Intelence)?
• What are the possible side effects of etravirine (Intelence)?
• What is the most important information I should know about etravirine (Intelence)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking etravirine (Intelence)?
• How should I take etravirine (Intelence)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Intelence)?
• What happens if I overdose (Intelence)?
• What should I avoid while taking etravirine (Intelence)?
• What other drugs will affect etravirine (Intelence)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is etravirine (Intelence)?

Etravirine is an antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Etravirine is used with other medications to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Etravirine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Etravirine is usually given after other antiviral drugs have been tried without successful treatment of HIV.

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

What are the possible side effects of etravirine (Intelence)?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• chest pain;
• confusion, anxiety, nightmares, seizure (convulsions);
• loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• urinating less than usual;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• any other signs of new infection.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation;
• dry mouth, heartburn;
• mild skin rash;
• headache, dizziness, tired feeling;
• numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
• sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams;
• blurred vision;
• increased sweating; or
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

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 is the most important information I should know about etravirine (Intelence)?

There are many other medicines that can interact with etravirine, or make it less effective. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Taking etravirine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.