Health Library

Etravirine (By mouth)

Etravirine (e-tra-VIR-een)

Treats HIV infection. HIV causes AIDS. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Intelence

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Etravirine is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all of your medicines as your doctor has prescribed. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. Take this medicine at the same time each day and do not miss any doses. Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
• Take this medicine after a meal.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew it.
• If you cannot swallow the tablet, you may dissolve it in a glass with a small amount of water (1 teaspoon). Stir until the water looks milky. You may then add more water, orange juice, or milk to make it easier to take. Do not use grapefruit juice or warm or carbonated drinks. Drink the entire mixture right away. Then refill your glass with water, orange juice, or milk and drink it so that none of the medicine is left in the glass.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how etravirine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Artemether/lumefantrine, boceprevir, clopidogrel, diazepam, St John's wort, telaprevir
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Medicine for heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, bepridil, digoxin, disopyramide, flecainide, lidocaine, mexiletine, propafenone, quinidine)
  • Medicine that weakens the immune system (including cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus)
  • Medicine to lower cholesterol (including atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, simvastatin)
  • Medicine to treat an infection (including clarithromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, voriconazole)
  • Medicine to treat erectile dysfunction (including sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil)
  • Medicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)
  • Narcotic pain medicine (including buprenorphine, buprenorphine/naloxone, methadone)
  • Other medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (including atazanavir, atazanavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, delavirdine, dolutegravir, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, rilpivirine, ritonavir, saquinavir/ritonavir, tipranavir/ritonavir)
  • Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease (including hepatitis B or C).
• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• This medicine may cause serious skin reactions.
• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
• Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. If you stop taking this medicine or do not take it as prescribed, you may spread HIV to others. Do not reuse or share needles, or other items, that may have blood or body fluids on them.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss or appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Swelling of your face, hands, or feet
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024