Health Library

Fostemsavir (By mouth)

Fostemsavir (fos-TEM-sa-vir)

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

Brand Name(s):

Rukobia

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• This medicine is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
• The extended-release tablets may have a slight vinegar-like odor. This is normal.
• 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.

• Do not use this medicine together with carbamazepine, enzalutamide, mitotane, phenytoin, rifampin, or St John's wort.
• Some medicines can affect how fostemsavir works. Tell your doctor if you are using:
  • Birth control pills (including ethinyl estradiol)
  • Medicine that may cause heart rhythm problems
  • Medicine to lower cholesterol (including atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pitavastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin)
  • Medicine to treat hepatitis C infection (including grazoprevir, voxilaprevir)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C infection), heart disease, or a history of heart rhythm problems (including QT prolongation).
• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• This medicine may cause heart rhythm problems.
• 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. Your doctor may also do blood tests to check your liver during treatment with this medicine, especially if you have hepatitis B or C infection.
• 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
• Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

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

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
• Sleeping problems

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