Intelence (etravirine) is an antiretroviral medicine used as part of combination treatment for HIV-1 infection. It is designed for treatment-experienced adults whose virus has become resistant to earlier HIV medicines.

Etravirine belongs to the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) class. Unlike earlier NNRTIs such as nevirapine and efavirenz, etravirine is a second-generation NNRTI that retains activity against many HIV strains that are resistant to first-generation NNRTIs.

Take one 200 mg tablet (or two 100 mg tablets) twice daily, after meals. Food is essential for absorption. Taking on an empty stomach significantly reduces the amount of medicine that reaches the bloodstream.

If you cannot swallow tablets, you can dissolve them in a glass of water, stir until milky, drink immediately, then rinse the glass with water and drink again.

Intelence must always be used in combination with other HIV medicines.

If you remember within six hours of your missed dose, take it with food straight away. If more than six hours have passed, skip it and take your next dose as usual. Never take a double dose.

Contact your HIV specialist or poison control centre.

• Store below 30°C in the original container
• Keep the container tightly closed
• Do not store in the bathroom or near moisture
• Keep out of reach of children

Common side effects:

• Rash: common in the first few weeks of treatment. Most rashes are mild to moderate and resolve on their own
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Fatigue

Serious side effects:

• Severe skin reactions: if you develop a rash with fever, blistering, peeling, or mouth sores, stop taking Intelence and seek urgent medical attention immediately
• Liver problems: elevated liver enzymes have been reported, particularly in people with hepatitis B or C

Regular blood tests will monitor your liver function, blood count, and viral load.

Etravirine has multiple important drug interactions:

• Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, St John's Wort: dramatically reduce etravirine levels. Avoid
• Clopidogrel: etravirine reduces clopidogrel's activation
• Warfarin: etravirine may alter warfarin levels, requiring more frequent INR monitoring

Always have your full medication list reviewed by your HIV pharmacist before adding any new medicine.

Why is Intelence used for treatment-experienced patients?

First-generation NNRTIs such as efavirenz and nevirapine can lose effectiveness from just one or two mutations in the virus. Etravirine is a second-generation NNRTI designed with a flexible structure that can still bind to HIV's reverse transcriptase enzyme even when some common resistance mutations are present, making it active against many resistant HIV strains.

Does the rash always mean I need to stop?

Not always. Mild rashes in the first two weeks are common and usually resolve. Your doctor will assess the rash carefully. However, if the rash is severe, spreading, or comes with other symptoms such as fever or sores, you should stop immediately and seek care.

Ace provides accurate and independent information medically reviewed on prescription medications. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.