About DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE
DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE belongs to a class of drugs called antiretrovirals used to treat HIV infection. DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE helps decrease the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). 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.
DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE contains Dolutegravir and Lamivudine. Both Dolutegravir and Lamivudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE works by interfering with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes necessary for virus reproduction. Together, DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE helps treat HIV infections.
DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE is a prescription medication. You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side effects of DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE are nausea, headache, tiredness, diarrhoea, dizziness, anxiety, gas, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and muscle weakness. Most of these side effects of DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE is not recommended to take DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE if you are allergic to any of its contents. DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy. Consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of side effects; therefore, avoid alcohol consumption. You should not become pregnant while you are taking DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE. Talk to your doctor about effective birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you become pregnant while taking DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE, call your doctor immediately. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE.
Uses of DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE
HIV infection
Medicinal Benefits
DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE is a combination of two drugs, Dolutegravir and Lamivudine, used to treat HIV infection. Both Dolutegravir and Lamivudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE interferes with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes necessary for virus reproduction. Thus, DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE helps treat HIV infections. Taking DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE along with practising safe sex and lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of getting or transmitting HIV to others.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE
- Nausea
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Gas
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Muscle weakness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE. Before taking the DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. You are advised to take proper precautions if you are infected with HIV to prevent infection from spreading to others through sexual contact or body fluids. If you have HBV and you take DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE, your condition may suddenly worsen when you stop taking DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE. Tell your doctor if you have or suspect you have hepatitis B virus infection (HBV; a continuous liver infection). Your doctor may test you to see if you have HBV before you start therapy with DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE. You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE. Drive only if you are alert, as DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE may cause dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE may interact with other antiviral medications (e.g. emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide), oral iron bivalent preparations (e.g. ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate), certain mineral supplements (zinc sulfate), anticancer medications (e.g. bexarotene, pexidartinib), HIV medications (e.g. emtricitabine, zalcitabine), and antirheumatic drugs (e.g. leflunomide).
Drug-Food Interactions: DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE may interact with alcohol and alcohol-containing beverages. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake and DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE as it may increase the risk of adverse effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE may interact with disease conditions, including hepatotoxicity (injury to the liver or impairment of the liver function), pancreatitis, renal dysfunction, or hemodialysis (a treatment to filter waste and water from your blood).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeConsumption of alcohol should be avoided.
Pregnancy
unsafeDOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE is not suggested during pregnancy. You should not become pregnant while you are taking DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE. Ask your doctor about effective birth control options that you can use during your therapy. If you become pregnant while taking DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE, call your doctor right away.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE.
Driving
cautionDOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE may cause dizziness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy after taking DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE.
Liver
cautionTake DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases. Inform your doctor if you have liver impairment. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionTake DOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeDOLUTEGRAVIR+LAMIVUDINE is not recommended for children below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practise safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
- Never share personal items that can have body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
- Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.
- Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis, as they can make you prone to HIV infection.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich foods such as dark green, yellow, orange, and red vegetables and fruits as it helps to boost your immune system. Opt for lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
- Eat bland and low-fat foods, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
- Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with your family or doing whatever makes you happy.
Special Advise
Attend every appointment with your doctor and laboratory. Your doctor will ask for tests to evaluate your body's response to dolutegravir and lamivudine.
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. HIV 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. However, it can be controlled by treating it with antiretroviral drugs.
