Drug Notes

Elvitegravir (By mouth)

Elvitegravir (el-vi-TEG-ra-vir)

Treats HIV infection. Used with ritonavir and other HIV medicines. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Vitekta

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. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment. Do not change your dose or stop using the medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Take this medicine at the same time each day, and do not miss any doses. Order refills before your supply is low so you do not run out of medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Contact your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
• 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 foods and medicines can affect how elvitegravir works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
  • Boceprevir, bosentan, buprenorphine/naloxone, cobicistat, dexamethasone, didanosine, efavirenz, ketoconazole, methadone, nevirapine, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, St John's wort
  • Birth control pills
  • Medicine to treat seizures, including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• If you take an antacid, take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take elvitegravir.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or have liver problems.
• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• Your immune system may get stronger when you start using this medicine. 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.
• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not 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
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

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

• Diarrhea

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: 1/27/2017