Antiretroviral (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor - NNRTI)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Etravirine is an antiretroviral (anti-HIV) medicine that works by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which the HIV virus needs to multiply in your body, helping to reduce the amount of virus in your blood.
Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase by binding to a hydrophobic pocket distinct from the nucleotide binding site, preventing viral RNA-dependent DNA synthesis and suppressing HIV replication. This mechanism allows activity against some reverse transcriptase mutants resistant to other NNRTIs.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take one 200 mg dose (two 100 mg tablets) twice daily, always after a meal — food helps your body absorb the drug properly. Swallow the tablets whole with water. If you have trouble swallowing, you can dissolve them in a glass of water and drink immediately. In Nigeria, you may find it as Intelence 100 mg Tablet.
If you miss a dose and it has been less than 6 hours since you were supposed to take it, take it right away with food. If more than 6 hours have passed, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Always get your HIV medicines from a licensed pharmacy or your treatment centre — never buy from roadside sellers or unverified sources, as fake drugs are dangerous. Do not stop taking this medicine or skip doses even if you feel fine, as the virus can become resistant and harder to treat. Do not share your HIV medicines with anyone else, even if they also have HIV.
Do not take etravirine with rifampicin (commonly used for TB treatment in Nigeria) as it makes etravirine much less effective. Avoid taking it with St. John's Wort herbal supplements. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other HIV medicines, seizure medicines, or blood thinners, as doses may need adjustment.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Etravirine with your other drugs?
Etravirine is not generally recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically decides the benefit outweighs the risk — always consult your doctor before using it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture — avoid storing in the bathroom or near a kitchen window. Keep the tablets in their original container with the cap tightly closed, and always keep out of the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Etravirine?
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