Comprehensive medication guide to Isentress including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
With commercial insurance, most patients pay a specialty tier copay of $50 to $150 per month, and Merck's copay card can reduce costs by up to $6,800 per year.
Estimated Cash Pricing
The cash price for brand-name Isentress typically ranges from $1,900 to $2,500 per month for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
55/100
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Isentress (Raltegravir) is an antiretroviral medication manufactured by Merck & Co. that belongs to the Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTI) drug class. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients (from birth, weighing at least 2 kg) and is always used in combination with other antiretroviral agents. Isentress is also used off-label as part of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens for HIV.
Raltegravir works by inhibiting the catalytic activity of HIV-1 integrase, an enzyme the virus needs to replicate. Integrase normally facilitates the integration of HIV-1 viral DNA into the host cell's genome. By blocking this critical step, Isentress prevents the virus from inserting its genetic material into your cells and multiplying, helping to reduce the viral load in your body and allowing your immune system to recover.
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Isentress 400 mg film-coated tablets (taken twice daily)
Isentress HD 600 mg film-coated tablets (taken once daily as two tablets)
Isentress 100 mg chewable tablets
Isentress granules for oral suspension (100 mg per packet) — suspension
Isentress (Raltegravir) scores a 55 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it can sometimes be tricky to locate at your local pharmacy. While Isentress is not currently listed on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage lists as of early 2026, occasional supply disruptions at the pharmacy level can occur due to distribution logistics or insurance-related delays. Specialty pharmacies and HIV-focused clinics tend to keep more reliable stock. If your pharmacy is out, ask them to check their wholesaler or consider using Medfinder to locate nearby availability.
Isentress is most commonly prescribed by Infectious Disease specialists and HIV Medicine specialists. However, Internal Medicine physicians, Family Medicine doctors, and Pediatric Infectious Disease specialists can also prescribe it. Telehealth consultations for HIV management are increasingly available, making it easier to obtain or renew prescriptions for Isentress remotely.
No, Isentress (Raltegravir) is not a controlled substance and does not have a DEA schedule classification. It does not carry any risk of abuse or dependence, so it can be prescribed and refilled without the additional restrictions that apply to controlled medications.
Serious but rare side effects include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, severe skin reactions, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), and elevated liver enzymes. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe muscle pain, skin rashes, or signs of liver problems.
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Dolutegravir (Tivicay)
A second-generation INSTI with once-daily dosing and a higher barrier to resistance; considered a preferred first-line option per DHHS guidelines.
Bictegravir (in Biktarvy)
Available as a fixed-dose combination tablet with Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide for convenient once-daily dosing.
Elvitegravir (in Stribild/Genvoya)
A first-generation INSTI that requires pharmacokinetic boosting with Cobicistat; available in fixed-dose combinations.
Cabotegravir (Vocabria)
A long-acting injectable INSTI given monthly or every two months with Rilpivirine (Cabenuva); also approved for PrEP as Apretude.
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Rifampin
moderateSignificantly reduces Raltegravir levels; dose adjustment to 800 mg twice daily is required if coadministered.
Aluminum/magnesium-containing antacids
moderateSignificantly reduce Raltegravir absorption; avoid taking them together.
Strong UGT1A1 inducers (Phenytoin, Phenobarbital)
moderateMay decrease Raltegravir levels and reduce effectiveness.
Orlistat
moderateMay decrease absorption; loss of virologic control has been reported.
Tipranavir/Ritonavir
moderateMay reduce Raltegravir levels.
Isentress (Raltegravir) remains an important antiretroviral option for HIV-1 treatment, particularly for patients who need a well-tolerated INSTI with a long track record of safety, including in pregnancy and pediatric populations. While newer alternatives like Dolutegravir and Bictegravir have become preferred first-line options, Isentress continues to serve a vital role. At $1,900 to $2,500 per month without insurance, the cost can be significant, but Merck's copay savings card, patient assistance programs, and ADAP coverage can help reduce the financial burden. If you're having trouble finding Isentress in stock, try Medfinder to locate pharmacies near you that have it available.
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