0

Home > Drug Category > AIDS Medications, HIV Treatments > Rescriptor and Equivalent

Rescriptor Information

Rescriptor (Delavirdine) is an older antiretroviral medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. It is typically prescribed as part of a combination of antiretroviral drugs. It is never used alone, since HIV quickly develops resistance if the drug is taken by itself. HIV primarily targets white blood cells called CD4+ T cells, which play a crucial role in the immune system. If left untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the severe final stage of the infection. Rescriptor’s active ingredient is delavirdine, and it belongs to a class of medications called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It binds directly to the reverse transcriptase enzyme, a crucial component for HIV replication. By binding to this enzyme, delavirdine blocks its ability to convert the viral RNA into DNA, effectively disrupting the virus's life cycle and preventing it from multiplying. As a result, it also helps to improve the immune system function, specifically the CD4+ cell count. It's important to remember that Rescriptor not a cure for HIV infection and is almost always used in combination with other antiretrovirals to prevent the development of drug resistance.

Rescriptor Side Effects

Common mild side effects of this medication include diarrhea, headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, mild skin rash, unusual tiredness or weakness, and vomiting. You may also notice increased fat in the upper back and neck, breasts, and trunk, and loss of fat from the arms, legs, or face while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Abdominal pain (persistent and severe);
• Depression;
• Fever, chill, rigor, cough, body rash, and other symptoms of immune system changes;
• Liver problems with symptoms such as yellowing of skin or eyes, darkened urine, light-coloured stools, nausea, and vomiting;
• Skin rash, including blisters and other severe skin reactions

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Rescriptor Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to doravirine, the inactive ingredients in Rescriptor, or any other medicine. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease

Consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended in women with HIV as the infection can be passed to the baby through breast milk. This medication is not recommended for use in children under 16 years of age. This antiretroviral medication may interact with other drugs or substances, such as sedatives (such as alprazolam, midazolam, and triazolam), ergotamine, methergine, pimozide, and rifampin. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking before using Rescriptor to prevent potential drug interactions.

Take Rescriptor tablets orally as prescribed by your doctor, and always in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Swallow the tablets whole with water. If you have trouble swallowing, disperse them in water before drinking. Take it consistently at the same time each day for optimal effect. Since it interacts with many medications, your doctor will closely monitor you and adjust your other prescriptions as needed. Never skip doses or stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first, as doing so could cause the virus to become resistant. Store this medication at room temperature, keeping it away from sunlight, moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Rescriptor?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Rescriptor.