When you find out you have HIV, treating it becomes a big part of your life. Your doctor may prescribe you different types of medications. Elvitegravir is one such important antiretroviral drug that helps control the HIV virus. This drug is commonly known by the brand name VITEKTA. So, let's talk about this drug and the things you need to be careful about while using it in a very simple way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Elvitegravir?
Simply put, Elvitegravir is a drug that controls the growth and spread of the HIV virus in your body. It is usually used in combination with several other medications.
It's important to remember: This medicine does not cure HIV. It is not a 'cure'. It does, however, control the virus in your body and help you live a healthy life. When used correctly, it can also reduce the risk of passing HIV to someone else. But it will not eliminate the risk completely.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before prescribing Elvitegravir to you, it is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.
| Your situation | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | If you have a liver condition, the way this medicine affects the body and how it is excreted from the body may change. |
| Allergies | Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Elvitegravir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to talk to your doctor about the safety of this medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are breastfeeding | Breastfeeding is not recommended for HIV-infected mothers. This medicine can also pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of your medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- Be sure to take this medicine with a meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach. The medicine is better absorbed by the body when taken with food.
- Take your medicine every day, at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals.
- Do not stop taking the medicine thinking it is okay or skip the prescribed dose. If you miss a dose, the virus can become stronger again and become resistant to this medicine. Therefore, never stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
- If giving this medicine to children, talk to a pediatrician about it and follow their instructions.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if a dose gets in the way?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Special attention: Elvitegravir should never be taken with combination pills containing cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. If you are already taking such a combination pill, you should tell your doctor.
In addition, several other medications and substances may interact with this medication. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking.
| Type of medicine/substance | Things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Antacids | This medicine for stomach inflammation may reduce the absorption of Elvitegravir. |
| Certain antibiotics | For example: medicines like rifampin and rifabutin. |
| Hepatitis medicines | For example: boceprevir, telaprevir. |
| Seizure medicines | For example: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin. |
| St. John's Wort (herbal extract) | This herb may reduce the effectiveness of Elvitegravir. |
| Birth control pills and hormones | Elvitegravir may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. |
| Other HIV medications | For example: efavirenz, nevirapine, indinavir. |
Possible side effects when taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Elvitegravir can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|
Take-Home Message
- Elvitegravir is a drug that controls HIV, but it is not a cure.
- Always take this medicine with a meal . Never skip a dose.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking.
- It is very important to use another form of birth control, such as a condom, because the effectiveness of birth control pills may be reduced when taking this medication.
- If you experience severe side effects such as severe skin rashes, difficulty breathing, or major changes in mood, tell your doctor immediately.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
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