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Etravirine (Intelence®)

Antiretroviral

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What is etravirine?

Etravirine (Intelence®) is a tablet that contains medicine used to treat infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Etravirine belongs to a group of medicines known as nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Etravirine can slow down how soon you will see symptoms of HIV or slow the damage caused by HIV, but it cannot cure HIV infection. Etravirine is available as a 100 mg tablet.

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Possible side effects

  • Rash
  • Feeling more tired than usual
  • Low blood counts
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • High blood cholesterol levels
  • High blood glucose levels
  • Increased liver function tests

    These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take etravirine will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • Etravirine tablets should be stored at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.
  • Etravirine may be dissolved in a small amount of water so that the patient may drink the medicine instead of swallowing the tablets whole.
  • Some side effects, such as low blood counts, can be found with blood tests, So it is very important that you come to clinic at regularly planned times and have blood tests done.

Drug at Home:

  • This tablet is usually taken one (1) time in the morning and one (1) time at night.
  • Etravirine should be taken with food.