Patient/Family Teaching

• Emphasize the importance of taking raltegravir as directed, at evenly spaced times throughout day. Do not take more than prescribed amount and do not stop taking without consulting health care professional. If a dose is missed, take as soon as remembered unless almost time for next dose. Do not double doses. Advise patient to read Patient Information sheet before starting therapy and with each prescription renewal in chase changes have been made

• Instruct patient that raltegravir should not be shared with others

• Advise patient to avoid taking other Rx, OTC, or herbal products without consulting health care professional

• Inform patient that raltegravir does not cure AIDS or prevent associated or opportunistic infections. Raltegravir does not reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Caution patient to use a condom during sexual contact and to avoid sharing needles or donating blood to prevent spreading the AIDS virus to others. Advise patient that the long-term effects of raltegravir are unknown at this time

• Advise patient to notify health care professional if they develop any unusual symptoms or if any known symptom persists or worsens

• Advise patients to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected. Breastfeeding should be avoided during therapy

• Emphasize the importance of regular follow-up exams and blood counts to determine progress and monitor for side effects

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