Intelence (Etravirine)

Intelence (Etravirine) is a prescription medication used with other HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus) medications to control HIV infection. The drug decreases the amount of HIV in the body to improve the function of the immune system. HIV is a virus that attaches to the cells that help the body fight infection, increasing vulnerability to other infections and diseases. Treating HIV lowers the chances of developing complications like new infections and cancer. Intelence is prescribed to HIV patients who have taken other HIV medications that did not work well enough to control their infection. The active ingredient in Intelence is Etravirine. Etravirine belongs to a class of drugs called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). It works by blocking the virus from growing and infecting more cells. Intelence is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. The infection is still transmittable through sexual activity and sharing personal items that may have contacted blood or other body fluids.

Manufacturer Information

Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Intelence. The most common side effects of Intelence may include the following:
• Diarrhea;
• Fatigue;
• Headache;
• Numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
• Rash

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Confusion;
• Little or no urinating;
• Rapid weight gain;
• Symptoms of a severe skin reaction like sore throat, fever, swelling in face or tongue, spreading red or purple skin rash

These are not all of the side effects of Intelence. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not take Intelence if you are allergic to Etravirine or any ingredient in Intelence. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctors about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have liver disease, including hepatitis B or C

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Intelence and antimalarials, anti-cancer medications, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants, etc. Avoid abiraterone, disopyramide, aprepitant, ketoconazole, clindamycin, rifampin, St. John’s wort, or vilazodone. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. HIV can be passed to a fetus if you are not properly treated during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Women without HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed. The virus may be passed to an infant through breast milk even if the baby is born without HIV. Take Intelence precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Intelence works best when you take it after a meal. Do not take the drug on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet whole with liquid, like water. Do not take the drug with grapefruit juice, warm drinks, or carbonated beverages. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, place it in a glass of water and allow it to disperse. The tablet will not dissolve completely. Drink the mixture right away. Add a little more liquid to the same glass, swirl gently, and drink immediately to ensure you get the entire dose. Intelence will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Keep this medicine in its original container out of sight and reach of children. Store at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture.

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