Intelence, or etravirine, is a prescription drug used in combination with at least two other drugs to treat the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, infection. Intelence is classified as a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, or NNRTI. It works by preventing the virus from replicating and lowers the virus count in the body. As Intelence actively works in the body, side effects may be experienced.
Skin Rash
Skin rash is a common side effect that may be seen with the use of Intelence. About 17 percent of patients experience this undesired side effect. In August 2009, the Food and Drug Administration updated the safety information of the medication, reporting that severe, potentially life-threatening and fatal skin reactions have occurred. Severe allergic reactions have also been reported; these include a skin rash and organ dysfunction, including liver failure. The patient should discontinue the drug and seek medical care if a rash, redness, hives or blisters develop.
Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation
Common gastrointestinal side effects that occur with Intelence include nausea, vomiting and constipation, according to RxList. Nausea is the most common of these, occurring in about 14 percent of individuals. Stomach pain, vomiting and constipation may occur in about 3 percent of patients. If these side effects become severe, the patient should contact a physician. Constipation may be treated with appropriate medication, but if they do not work, the patient should speak with a healthcare provider.
Fat Redistribution
Intelence may cause a redistribution of fat in the body. The "Drug Information Handbook" explains that fat increases in the upper back and neck, creating a hump. The fat in other areas, such as the legs and arms, decreases while the abdominal and back areas increase in fat. It is not clear how this side effect affects the patient's health.
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
The HIV infection weakens the immune system, and patients may develop an opportunistic infection. According to the manufacturer of Intelence, immune reconstitution syndrome may happen in patients with advanced HIV or AIDS; this is characterized by inflammation from opportunistic infections that a patient may have developed. If the patient develops signs and symptoms of an infection, a physician should be contacted immediately.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is caused by nerve damage in the peripheral arteries, which are the arteries in the extremities. Peripheral neuropathy may occur in about 4 percent of users of Intelence, reports the "Drug Information Handbook." Symptoms of this adverse reaction include pain or tingling in the hands or feet and extreme sensitivity to touch. The patient should report these symptoms to a healthcare provider to prevent further damage.
References
- FDA.gov: Important Drug Warning
- RxList: Intelence
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- Intelence-Info: Intelence
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