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joyce_murray2026-04-17

Raltegravir, known by the brand name Isentress, is a crucial medication for children living with HIV. The 25mg chewable tablets make it easier to administer to kids, but like any medication, it comes with its own set of side effects and considerations. As a parent, I'm constantly worried about the potential side effects, especially the more severe ones. I've heard about allergic reactions and liver problems, but I'm also curious about the long-term effects and how they might impact my child's quality of life. Has anyone else gone through this with their child? Any tips on managing the side effects or just general advice would be greatly appreciated.

1 min read
last active 4/17/2026
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Comments (9)

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beverly_spencer4/14/2026

I've been reading the side effects list and it's a bit overwhelming. Have any of you talked to your doctors about these severe reactions?

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joe_james4/14/2026

I don't know if anyone else has noticed this, but my child’s appetite increased after starting raltegravir. We had to adjust their diet to make sure they're getting the right nutrients.

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kenneth_perez4/14/2026

I just wanted to share that it's really important to talk to your child's doctor about any new symptoms, even if they seem minor. Last month, my kid had a fever and sore throat, and it turned out to be an underlying infection that needed treatment.

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ethan_olson4/14/2026

I was really worried about the side effects too. My doctor assured me that the tablet is designed to be safe for kids. We’ve had no major issues, just a bit of dizziness occasionally.

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pamela_nelson4/14/2026

I feel like the biggest challenge is remembering to give the tablet with a full glass of water. I've noticed headaches started when my son went a couple of hours without water so make sure to stress hydration.

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martha_fox4/14/2026

I wish there was a better way to get these tablets in the stomach without them sticking on the tongue or even going down the right passage.

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russell_castro4/14/2026

One of the most challenging side effects for us has been the fatigue. My child would be so tired after taking the medication. It took a while to adjust, but now she's doing better.

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cheryl_vazquez4/14/2026

I've been giving these to my 7-year-old for over a year now. The most common side effects we've seen are trouble sleeping and a bit of upset stomach, but nothing too alarming. Just make sure to monitor their liver function regularly and keep an eye out for any skin reactions.

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scott_sanders4/14/2026

Has anyone else noticed that their kids have trouble swallowing these even though they are chewable? My little one gags on them. Any tips?