The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the first generic raltegravir medicines to treat adult and paediatric HIV patients who weigh at least 40kg. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV produces an enzyme called HIV integrase which enables multiplication of the virus in cells within the body.
Raltegravir stops this enzyme from working, and when used with other medicines it may reduce the amount of HIV in the patient’s blood and increase the patient’s CD4-cell count (a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system). Reducing the amount of HIV in the blood may improve the functioning of the immune system, meaning the body may fight infection better. The active ingredient raltegravir is an antiviral medicine prescribed as a 600 mg film‑coated tablet. The recommended dosage for the medicine is 1,200 mg as two 600 mg tablets taken orally once a day. Raltegravir must be used in combination with other medicines for HIV.
The MHRA’s approval of the medicine is supported by evidence from studies in healthy volunteers. Studies have been limited to tests to determine that it is bioequivalent to the reference medicine. Two medicines are bioequivalent when they produce the same levels of the active substance in the body. As raltegravir generics have been shown to be bioequivalent to the reference medicine, their benefits and possible side effects are considered to be the same as the reference medicine.
As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of raltegravir under close review. A full list of all side effects reported with raltegravir are available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website. If a patient experiences any side effects, they should talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the product information leaflets.
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
