Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide
About Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide
Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is a prescription tablet used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and children who meet specific weight requirements. This medicine helps lower the amount of the virus in your blood and protects your immune system from damage. It is prescribed as a complete treatment regimen, meaning you generally do not need to take other HIV medicines with it.
To get the best results, you must take Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide consistently every day at the same time to prevent the virus from adapting and becoming resistant. This tablet can be taken with or without food, making it easy to fit into your daily schedule. Alongside your treatment, making healthy lifestyle choices like eating a balanced diet, sleeping well, and reducing stress can help support your immune system.
Many people taking this medicine experience only mild side effects, such as trouble sleeping, tiredness, or headaches. However, you must seek medical attention immediately if you notice serious symptoms like a severe skin rash, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or unusual muscle pain. Your healthcare team can help you manage these side effects safely.
Tell your doctor about your complete medical history before starting Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, especially if you have liver conditions like Hepatitis B, or kidney problems. Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking dofetilide, as combining these medicines can cause severe heart rhythm issues. Your doctor will determine if this medicine is safe for your specific health needs.
This medicine can interact with other products, such as antacids or iron supplements, which block your body from properly absorbing the active ingredients. It is also important to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as they will help you decide on the safest treatment plan.
Uses of Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide
Medicinal Benefits
Taking Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide offers key benefits to help manage your health effectively:
- Simplified daily routine: By combining multiple therapies into one single daily tablet, Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide reduces your daily pill burden and makes it much easier to stay consistent with your treatment schedule.
- Immune system recovery: By keeping the virus under control, this medicine allows your immune system's helper cells (CD4 cells) to recover and grow stronger, which helps protect your body from other infections.
- Maintained long-term health: Keeping your viral load low reduces the long-term damage HIV can cause to your body, helping you maintain your physical health and day-to-day energy.
Directions for Use
- Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide can be taken with or without food, or as advised by a doctor.
- Generally, Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is taken once daily, or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Headache
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Mild nausea or diarrhoea
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe skin rash, or difficulty breathing)
- Signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, or severe stomach pain)
- Signs of a build-up of acid in the blood (lactic acidosis), such as unusual muscle pain, deep or rapid breathing, extreme tiredness, or cold hands and feet
- Worsening of Hepatitis B infection (if you have chronic Hepatitis B, stopping or changing your therapy can cause severe liver flare-ups)
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Take It Consistently: Take Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide at the same time every day to help keep HIV under control and reduce the risk of the virus becoming resistant to treatment.
- Do Not Stop Without Medical Advice: Continue taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel well.
- Separate from Certain Medicines and Supplements: Antacids or supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, or aluminium can affect how dolutegravir is absorbed. Follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice on when to take these products.
- Attend Regular Check-ups: Keep all scheduled appointments so your doctor can monitor your viral load, immune health, kidney function, liver function, and overall response to treatment.
- Practice Safer Sex: Continue to use condoms and follow your doctor's advice to help reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others.
- Do Not Share Your Medicine: Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide has been prescribed specifically for you. Do not share it with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms or the same condition.
Drug Interactions
- Dofetilide: Taking Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide with this heart rhythm medicine can increase dofetilide levels in your blood, which may lead to serious heart complications.
- Antacids and mineral supplements: Products containing aluminium, magnesium, calcium, or iron can bind to dolutegravir and significantly reduce how much medicine your body absorbs.
- Rifampin: This tuberculosis medicine can lower the levels of Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide in your body, making the treatment less effective.
- Certain anti-seizure medicines (like carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital): These can decrease the effectiveness of Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide by speeding up its clearance from your body.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is not recommended to consume alcohol with Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe if the benefits are found to outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while on treatment with Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide.
Driving
cautionDolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide may cause dizziness and tiredness. Do not drive if you experience any side effects after using Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
unsafeDolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Limit alcohol intake: Alcohol can strain your liver. Since both HIV and certain medications can affect liver health, it is best to drink in moderation or avoid alcohol completely.
- Eat nutrient-rich foods: Focus on a diet high in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to help support your immune system and combat potential metabolic shifts.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps your kidneys process and clear medications safely.
- Practice food safety: Since HIV affects your immune system, always cook meats fully, wash raw produce thoroughly, and avoid unpasteurised dairy to prevent foodborne infections.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that weakens the immune system by destroying white blood cells, making the body more vulnerable to other infections and illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, tiredness, and muscle aches. HIV is a lifelong condition with no definite cure, but it can be managed with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) in adults and children above 12 years weighing at least 40 kg.
Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide contains Dolutegravir, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir alafenamide. These medicines work together to block the activity of HIV integrase and reverse transcriptase enzymes that the virus needs to multiply, thereby reducing the amount of virus in the body and helping to treat HIV infection.
It is not known if Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is safe for patients who have HIV-1 and hepatitis-B infections. Please consult your doctor for any concerns.
Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide might cause lactic acidosis (excess of lactic acid in the blood). Consult a doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, or deep, rapid breathing.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Avoid nursing while receiving Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide therapy. Avoid alcohol consumption. It is critical to engage in safe sex to avoid transferring HIV to your partner.
Before taking the Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all the medications you are using. And inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Your doctor will determine the duration of Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
The recommended dosage of Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is one tablet taken orally once daily. However, dosage may vary depending on various factors, including medical condition and treatment response.
Dolutegravir, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide are the key active ingredients present in Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide.
Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Taking more than the recommended dosage does not provide additional pain relief and can increase the risk of adverse effects.
No, you should not stop taking Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide even if your viral load becomes undetectable. An undetectable viral load means the medicine is working well to keep the virus suppressed, but stopping the medicine will allow the virus to start multiplying again. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your therapy.
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking your dose, take another tablet. If you vomit more than 1 hour after taking it, do not take an extra dose; just wait and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience frequent vomiting.
While moderate alcohol consumption does not directly stop Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide from working, both alcohol and this medicine can strain your liver. It is best to limit your alcohol intake to protect your liver health. Talk to your doctor about what is safe for you.
No, Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide does not cure HIV infection. It is a long-term treatment that manages the virus, reduces the amount of virus in your body, and helps protect your immune system so you can live a healthy life. Talk to your doctor to understand how to manage your long-term health.
Yes, but you must space them out. Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium can prevent your body from absorbing Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide properly. Take your antacid at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking your medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific timing advice.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks of Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide with your doctor. They will help you weigh the options to ensure both your health and your baby's health are protected. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
Some clinical studies have shown that people taking modern HIV regimens, including components found in Dolutegravir+emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, may experience weight gain. This is often a sign of returning to good health as the infection is controlled. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about weight changes.
If you develop a skin rash, pay close attention to other symptoms. If the rash is mild, monitor it, but if it is severe, spreads quickly, or is accompanied by a fever, blisters, or trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately, as this could be a serious allergic reaction. Talk to your doctor right away.
Author Details
