October 16, 2012

HIV Integrase Inhibitor Isentress Linked to CNS Problems

A medical chart review involving 453 people living with HIV using the integrase inhibitor Isentress (raltegravir) suggests that the drug may be associated with central nervous system (CNS) symptoms, according to a report published online ahead of print by the journal AIDS.  Approximately one in ten people using the drug reported experiencing at least one CNS-related problem, such as headache, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia or altered dreams. These problems were most common among those combining Isentress with tenofovir (found in Viread and Truvada) or those also using a proton pump inhibitor (e.g., Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium or Protonix).  As tenofovir and proton pump inhibitors can increase blood levels of Isentress, which possibly explains the higher rates of CNS-related problems in the study, the researchers suggest that people living with HIV using these combinations be monitored carefully.

To read the AIDS report (paid subscription required), click here.

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