Dolutegravir
About Dolutegravir
Dolutegravir is a prescription medication used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and children. It belongs to a group of medicines called integrase inhibitors, which help lower the amount of HIV in your body. By keeping the virus under control, this medicine supports your immune system and helps protect you from developing serious infections.
For this medicine to work effectively, you must take it consistently every single day at the same time, exactly as prescribed. You can take this tablet with or without food, making it easy to fit into your daily routine. Adopting a balanced diet and reducing stress can further support your overall immune health while you are on this treatment.
While taking Dolutegravir, some people may experience mild side effects like trouble sleeping, headache, or feeling tired. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of your skin or eyes, or severe allergic reactions like skin rashes.
Do not take this if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you are taking certain medications like dofetilide. Before starting, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of liver disease or kidney problems, as they may need to monitor your health closely.
This medicine can interact with certain mineral supplements, alcohol, and other prescription medications, which can lower its absorption or increase side effects. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual, consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits before starting treatment.
Uses of Dolutegravir
Medicinal Benefits
Dolutegravir offers significant benefits for managing chronic HIV infection, helping you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Key benefits include:
- Strong viral suppression: It quickly lowers the level of HIV in the blood, helping many patients reach and maintain an undetectable viral load.
- Immune system recovery: By keeping the virus from replicating, it allows your immune system's CD4 cells to rebuild, protecting you from opportunistic infections.
- Convenient daily routine: The once-daily oral dosing schedule, which can be taken with or without food, makes it easier to stay consistent with your treatment plan.
Directions for Use
- Dolutegravir can be taken with or without as advised by your doctor.
- It is recommended to take Dolutegravir once daily or as advised by your doctor.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break Dolutegravir.
Storage
Side Effects of Dolutegravir
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping or unusual dreams
- Feeling tired or lacking energy
- Nausea or mild diarrhea
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away)
- Severe allergic reactions, such as skin rash, blistering, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing.
- Signs of liver damage, like yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark-coloured urine, light-coloured stools, or severe pain in the upper right side of your stomach.
- Signs of depression or mood changes, such as severe sadness, anxiety, or thoughts of hurting yourself.
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Do not skip doses: Skipping doses can allow the virus to become resistant to Dolutegravir, making it harder to treat your infection in the future.
- Watch for immune reconstitution syndrome: As your immune system gets stronger, it may react to old, hidden infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop fever, swollen lymph nodes, or trouble breathing after starting the medicine.
- Check your supplements: Multivitamins, antacids, or supplements containing calcium, magnesium, iron, or aluminium can block the absorption of Dolutegravir. Take Dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking these supplements.
- Monitor liver health: Regular blood tests are recommended to ensure this medicine is not causing strain or damage to your liver.
- Discuss family planning: If you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about the safest way to manage your treatment, as specific monitoring may be required.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines before using Dolutegravir:
- Dofetilide: Do not take Dolutegravir with dofetilide (a heart rhythm medicine), as this combination can dangerously increase the levels of dofetilide in your blood, causing serious heart complications.
- Antacids and Mineral Supplements: Medicines containing calcium, magnesium, aluminium, or iron can prevent Dolutegravir from being fully absorbed. Take your dose at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after these products.
- Certain Tuberculosis and Seizure Medications: Drugs like rifampin, carbamazepine, or phenytoin can lower the amount of Dolutegravir in your body, making it less effective against the virus.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Dolutegravir interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionDolutegravir may increase the risk of birth defects. Please consult the doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Dolutegravir.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Dolutegravir. HIV-positive women must not breastfeed as HIV infection can be passed to the baby in breast milk.
Driving
cautionDolutegravir may cause dizziness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorLimited information is available. Please consult your doctor if you have liver problems. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Dolutegravir.
Kidney
consult your doctorLimited information is available. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney problems. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Dolutegravir.
Children
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Dolutegravir in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Prioritise immune-supportive nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to help your body rebuild immune cells and maintain muscle mass.
- Practice food safety: Because HIV affects your immune system, protect yourself from foodborne illnesses by cooking meats thoroughly, washing raw produce, and avoiding unpasteurised dairy products.
- Stay physically active: Regular, moderate exercise such as walking, cycling, or swimming can help improve your strength, reduce fatigue, and boost your mental well-being.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs: These substances can weaken your immune system and interact negatively with your medication, increasing the risk of liver damage.
- Ensure up-to-date vaccinations: Discuss with your healthcare team which vaccines (such as the flu shot or pneumonia vaccine) are safe and recommended for you.
Special Advise
- During HIV therapy, there may be weight gain, and increase in blood lipids and blood glucose levels. Regular monitoring is advised.
- Discuss with your doctor about effective birth control methods that you can use during your treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help fight infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition, and there is no definite cure for it. However, it can be controlled by treating with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Dolutegravir is used to treat HIV infection.
Dolutegravir works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. It also increases the count of CD4 cells, a type of white blood cells that help the body to fight infection.
Antacids used to treat heartburn or indigestion, multivitamins, calcium or iron supplements may stop the absorption of Dolutegravir and make it less effective. Therefore, do not take antacid, multivitamins, calcium or iron supplements 6 hours before and 2 hours after taking Dolutegravir. However, consult the doctor before taking other medicines while on treatment with Dolutegravir.
Few people taking combination therapy for HIV may develop osteonecrosis. Consult the doctor if you experience symptoms of osteonecrosis, such as stiffness in the joints, joint pain or aches, and difficulty moving.
Yes, you can take Dolutegravir with or without food. However, if you experience mild nausea, taking it with a small meal may help settle your stomach. Talk to your doctor if nausea persists.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dose is close, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you miss multiple doses.
No, Dolutegravir does not cure HIV infection, but it helps manage the virus effectively. It lowers the amount of virus in your body so your immune system can stay healthy. To keep the virus controlled, you must take it every day. Talk to your doctor for more information.
It is best to limit or avoid alcohol while taking Dolutegravir. Alcohol can put extra stress on your liver and may worsen side effects like dizziness or fatigue. Talk to your doctor about what is safe for you.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks to determine if Dolutegravir is the right choice for you and your baby. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
Some patients experience weight gain after starting certain HIV treatments, including Dolutegravir. This can be a sign of improving health and a recovering immune system, but it can also be influenced by diet and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about weight changes.
Serious liver issues are rare but possible. Watch for warning signs such as yellowing of your eyes or skin, dark tea-coloured urine, pale stools, severe nausea, or upper stomach pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking the medicine and seek emergency medical care. Contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately; do not stop your medication without medical advice.
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