Dolutegravir+lamivudine
About Dolutegravir+lamivudine
Dolutegravir+lamivudine is an oral prescription tablet used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) in adults and adolescents. Its primary medical purpose is to keep the virus from multiplying, which helps lower the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can function better. It is not a cure for HIV, but it is an essential part of managing the virus long-term.
Dolutegravir+lamivudine must be taken once daily and should be taken consistently at the same time every day to be fully effective. You can take this tablet with or without food. Along with taking this medication, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking can support your immune system's overall health and improve your treatment outcomes.
Some people taking this medicine may experience mild side effects like headache, diarrhea, or trouble sleeping. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or unusual muscle pain. These can be signs of more serious health issues that need prompt clinical evaluation.
Do not take this if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this tablet or if you are taking certain medicines like dofetilide. Before starting this medicine, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver damage, kidney disease, or Hepatitis B, as this medication requires careful monitoring under these conditions.
This medication can interact with other drugs, including over-the-counter antacids, calcium supplements, and some seizure medications, which can lower its effectiveness if taken at the same time. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of this medicine for your specific situation.
Uses of Dolutegravir+lamivudine
Medicinal Benefits
Dolutegravir+lamivudine helps provide effective, long-term control of HIV-1 infection while simplifying your treatment routine. Its benefits include:
- Combines two antiretroviral medicines in a single daily tablet, making treatment more convenient and reducing pill burden.
- Helps lower the amount of HIV (viral load) in the blood to undetectable levels when taken consistently as prescribed.
- Supports an increase in CD4 cell count, helping strengthen the immune system and improve the body's ability to fight infections.
- Reduces the risk of HIV-related complications and slows the progression of the disease with long-term use.
- Helps you maintain your health, physical strength, and quality of life by keeping the virus under effective control.
Directions for Use
- Take Dolutegravir+lamivudine with or without food or as advised by a doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication, to ensure the safety.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Dolutegravir+lamivudine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Diarrhea or upset stomach
- Unusual tiredness or fatigue
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of an allergic reaction (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing)
- Signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, or nausea)
- Signs of lactic acid buildup (such as deep and rapid breathing, severe muscle pain, cold hands and feet, or unusual weakness)
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Hepatitis B screening: Ensure your doctor tests you for Hepatitis B before starting Dolutegravir+lamivudine, as stopping this medicine may cause a severe flare-up of a dormant Hepatitis B infection.
- Watch for severe allergic reactions: Stop taking the medicine and seek emergency medical care immediately if you develop a severe skin rash with fever, joint pain, blistering, or peeling skin.
- Inspect the tablets before use: Check the medication bottle and tablets before each dose. Do not use the medicine if the tablets are damaged, discolored, or past their expiration date.
- Do not share your medication: Never share Dolutegravir+lamivudine with anyone else, even if they have the same medical condition, as treatment should be individualized by a healthcare professional.
Drug Interactions
- Dofetilide: Do not take this medicine with dofetilide, as it can dangerously increase the levels of dofetilide in your body, leading to life-threatening heart rhythm issues.
- Metformin: Taking this medicine with metformin can increase metformin levels in your blood, raising the risk of lactic acidosis. Your doctor may need to monitor your blood sugar and adjust your metformin dose.
- Certain Seizure Medications: Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital can lower the amount of Dolutegravir+lamivudine in your body, making your HIV treatment less effective.
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
- Space out supplements and antacids: Do not take supplements containing calcium, iron, or magnesium, or antacids, at the same time as Dolutegravir+lamivudine. These minerals bind to the medicine and stop your body from absorbing it. Take your medication either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking these supplements.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as both alcohol and this medication can put stress on your liver, increasing the risk of liver damage.
- Practice strict food safety: Because your immune system is recovering, avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs to reduce your risk of contracting foodborne illnesses.
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.
FAQs
Dolutegravir+lamivudine is used to treat HIV infection.
Dolutegravir+lamivudine contains Dolutegravir and Lamivudine. Dolutegravir+lamivudine works by interfering with the functioning of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes, which are necessary for the reproduction of the virus. Together, Dolutegravir+lamivudine helps treat HIV infections.
Dolutegravir+lamivudine does not cure HIV infection. Dolutegravir+lamivudine reduces the amount of HIV in the body and improves the immune system's functioning.
HIV infection may still be transmitted to other persons while using Dolutegravir+lamivudine. Dolutegravir+lamivudine reduces the risk of transmission, but still, HIV infection is contagious. Therefore, discuss with a doctor regarding precautions to avoid transmission of HIV while taking Dolutegravir+lamivudine.
Do not stop taking Dolutegravir+lamivudine without consulting your doctor. Stopping Dolutegravir+lamivudine before treatment may worsen your hepatitis. This can occur during the first few months after you stop taking Dolutegravir+lamivudine. Take the Dolutegravir+lamivudine strictly as instructed, and do not miss any dose.
Yes, you can take Dolutegravir+lamivudine with or without food. However, if you take it with calcium- or iron-fortified foods, ensure you take it with a full meal rather than on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need clarification on your meal schedule.
No, you must never stop taking Dolutegravir+lamivudine even if your viral load is undetectable. Stopping the medication will allow the virus to start multiplying again and may make the virus resistant to future treatments. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium can stop your body from absorbing this medicine. Take Dolutegravir+lamivudine at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking an antacid. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for a safe schedule.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you must discuss this with your healthcare provider. There may be specific risks, especially during the first trimester, and your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks. Talk to your doctor for personalized advice.
It is highly recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Both alcohol and Dolutegravir+lamivudine are processed by your liver, and combining them can increase your risk of liver damage. Talk to your doctor about your alcohol intake.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due in less than 4 hours, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. Talk to your doctor if you frequently miss doses.
This medicine contains active ingredients that also fight the Hepatitis B virus. If you have Hepatitis B and stop taking Dolutegravir+lamivudine, the virus can suddenly become active again and cause severe liver damage. Talk to your doctor to ensure you have been tested before starting.
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