What is Dolutegravir?
Dolutegravir is an antiviral medication that is taken with other medications for the treatment of HIV (the virus that causes the acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Dolutegravir does not cure HIV or AIDS.Dolutegravir can be used in adults as well as children as young as four weeks of age and weighing no less than six pounds (3 kilograms). Dolutegravir can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Dolutegravir
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking dolutegravir immediately and seek emergency medical attention: Fever, general malaise, difficulty breathing, fatigue Muscle pain; Blisters or mouth sores Redness or swelling around your eyes; blistering, peeling, or blistering skin; swelling on your face, lips, or tongue; swelling in your face, throat, or lips
Dolutegravir may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- The first sign of any skin rash is important, regardless of how mild it may be.
- Liver problems: nausea, vomiting, upper stomach discomfort, dark urine and clay-colored stool, jaundice
Dolutegravir can affect your immune system and cause side effects. This may occur even weeks or months after taking this medication. You should tell your doctor if:
- Signs of a new infection: fever, sweating at night, swelling glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, Weight Loss
- If you have difficulty speaking or swallowing, have problems with balance, eye movements, or weakness, or feel prickly, then it could be a sign of a problem.
- Impotence, menstrual changes, swelling of the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
Dolutegravir can cause the following side effects:
- Headache;
- Tiredness;
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for medical advice on this matter. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Biktarvy, Descovy, Truvada, Tenofovir, Atripla, Complera, and Epzicom
Warnings
Do not take dolutegravir with dofetilide, also known as Tikosyn. Dolutegravir taken during the first three months of pregnancy can cause birth defects. While taking dolutegravir, use birth control to avoid pregnancy.
Before you take this drug
Do not take dolutegravir if you are allergic or taking dofetilide.
Inform your doctor immediately of any of the following conditions:
- Liver disease is a particular concern, as is hepatitis C.
Before starting the treatment, you may need to take a pregnancy test. Dolutegravir can harm a baby if taken at the time of conception or in the first 12 weeks after conception. Prevent pregnancy by using effective birth control, and inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant. HIV can be transmitted to your child if it is not controlled while pregnant. Your name could be on a registry if you're pregnant to track the effects of antiviral medication on your baby. To control HIV, take your medication as prescribed. Women with HIV/AIDS shouldn't breastfeed. Even if the baby was born HIV-free, the virus can be transmitted to it through your breast milk.
How to take Dolutegravir?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all instructions on the label. Follow the directions on the labelDolutegravir may be taken with or without food..Dispersible tablets should not be crushed or chewed whole. Swallow it whole, or put it in some water. The tablet will not completely dissolve. Mix the ingredients and immediately give them to your child. The amount of water required will depend on how many tablets your child needs. Please follow the instructions that come with your medication.Do not use the same dose of dolutegravir dispersible and regular tablets. Only take the form of pill prescribed by your doctor. Always check the medication you receive from the pharmacy to avoid any mistakes.Dolutegravir dosages for children are determined by weight. If your child loses or gains weight, the dose needed by your child may change.
You may need to have frequent blood tests while taking dolutegravir.Dolutegravir may cause hepatitis B to be active again or worsen if you have ever had it. Dolutegravir may require frequent liver function testing while you are taking it and for several months afterwards.Read all the instructions and medication guides that you receive. Do not alter your dosage or schedule without consulting first with your physician. Each person living with HIV should be under the care and supervision of a physician.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.. Keep tablets in their original containers, with any packets or canisters of moisture-absorbing preserver.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip any missed one altogether; do not take two of the same medicine at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Dolutegravir does not stop the spread of your illness. Share razors and toothbrushes. Do not engage in unprotected sexual activity. Speak to your doctor about the best ways to prevent HIV from being transmitted during sex. Even healthy people should never share syringes for drugs or medicines.
Interaction with other drug
Some medicines can reduce the effectiveness of dolutegravir when taken together. Take your dolutegravir 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking any of the medicines listed below.
- Antiacids and laxatives containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum, such as Amphojel (Di-Gel Maalox), Mylanta (Milk of Magnesia), Pepcid Complete (Rolaids), Rulox (Rulox), Tums (Tums), or the ulcer medication sucralfate
- Buffered medication
- Vitamin or mineral supplements containing calcium or iron
Dolutegravir can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions.Inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking or will begin or discontinue soon.
