etravirine at a glance
Medicine class
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)
Usual role
Combination treatment for previously treated HIV-1 infection
Food
Take after a meal; fasting substantially reduces absorption
Swallowing difficulty
The tablet may be dispersed in water using the product instructions
What is etravirine used for?
The selected product is licensed only as part of combination antiretroviral therapy.
HIV-1 infection in treatment-experienced adults.
HIV-1 infection in treatment-experienced children aged 2 years and older.
How does etravirine work?
HIV uses reverse transcriptase to copy its genetic material. Etravirine binds directly to this enzyme and disrupts its catalytic site, reducing production of new HIV-1 copies. Resistance patterns can affect its activity.
etravirine preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg, 200 mg
How to take etravirine
Take etravirine after a meal. Swallow the tablet whole with water and do not chew it.
If swallowing is difficult, place the tablet in enough water to cover it and stir until the liquid looks milky.
More water, orange juice or milk may then be added, but do not place the tablet directly into juice or milk.
Drink immediately and rinse the glass several times, swallowing every rinse.
Avoid warm or carbonated drinks. Take dispersed etravirine before other liquid antiretrovirals taken at the same time.
Contact the prescriber if the complete dispersed amount cannot be swallowed.
etravirine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Rash
- Headache
- Diarrhoea or nausea
- Tiredness
- Sleep disturbance or anxiety
- Abdominal discomfort, vomiting or indigestion
- Changes in liver enzymes, blood fats or glucose
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe rash with blistering, peeling, or mouth or eye involvement
- Rash with fever, facial swelling or internal-organ inflammation
- Severe allergic reaction or breathing difficulty
- Symptoms suggesting hepatitis, pancreatitis or significant blood-cell abnormalities
etravirine in pregnancy
Human pregnancy experience is limited, and etravirine exposure may increase during pregnancy. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy or becomes pregnant should have their complete antiretroviral regimen reviewed promptly by the specialist HIV and maternity team. Established treatment should not be stopped without their advice.
etravirine while breastfeeding
Etravirine passes into human milk, and the product information advises against breastfeeding while receiving it. Formula feeding gives zero risk of postnatal HIV transmission. Current UK practice can support carefully selected, virologically suppressed people who choose to breastfeed, with advance discussion, medicine review and close monitoring by a specialist perinatal HIV team.
etravirine interactions
Etravirine affects several drug-metabolising enzymes and transporters. The HIV team or pharmacist should check all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products.
Elbasvir/grazoprevir
Contraindicated because etravirine may reduce hepatitis C antiviral exposure and effectiveness.
Carbamazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin
These enzyme inducers can substantially lower etravirine exposure; the combination is not recommended.
St John’s wort
May lower etravirine exposure and should not be combined with it.
Common questions about etravirine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can etravirine cure HIV?
No. It reduces HIV replication as part of combination treatment but does not eradicate the infection.
Why must etravirine be taken after food?
Taking it without food reduces absorption by about half, which may compromise exposure.
Can etravirine tablets be dispersed for swallowing difficulties?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.