What is Dolutegravir and lamivudine?
Dolutegravir and Lamivudine are antiviral medicines used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can lead to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Dolutegravir and Lamivudine are not cures for HIV or AIDS. Adults who have not been treated before with HIV medication may be given lamivudine and dolutegravir. Dolutegravir or lamivudine can also be used in place of other HIV medications for adults with a suppressed viral load. Your doctor will help determine which medication will be appropriate for you.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for lamivudine and dolutegravir.
Side effects of Dolutegravir and lamivudine
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical attention: Fever, general malaise, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle pain Blisters or mouth sores; redness or swelling around your eyes; blisters or skin peeling; swelling on your face, lips, or tongue; swelling of your throat, face, lips, or tongueLactic acidosis symptoms, although initially mild, may become increasingly severe over time.This condition is fatal. If you experience unusual muscle pains, difficulty breathing, stomach pains, vomiting, a fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or a feeling of cold, get emergency medical attention.
Dolutegravir or lamivudine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- The first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild it may be,
- Liver problems: nausea, vomiting, upper stomach discomfort, dark urine and clay-colored stool, jaundice
Dolutegravir affects the immune system. This can cause side effects, even weeks or months after taking this medication. You should tell your doctor if:
- Signs of an infection include fever, night sweats, and swollen lymph glands. Cold Sores. coughing, wheezing, or diarrhea. Weight loss.
- Problems with balance, eye movements, or speech, or even a prickly sensation;
- Impotence, menstrual irregularities, and swelling of the neck or throat
Dolutegravir or lamivudine can cause the following side effects:
- Headache;
- Tiredness;
- Nausea, diarrhea;
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects. Need advice about side effects? Speak to your physician immediately. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Do not take lamivudine and dolutegravir if you also take dofetilide. Birth defects can occur if you take dolutegravir or lamivudine in the first trimester. While taking this medication, use birth control to avoid pregnancy. You may experience a reactivation of your hepatitis B while taking lamivudine and dolutegravir. Hepatitis B can also worsen after stopping this medication. You may require frequent liver function testing for several months.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if dolutegravir, lamivudine, or dofetilide cause allergies.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Kidney problems;
- Liver disease (especially hepatitis B and C)
You can develop lactic acidosis. This is a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in your blood. It may be more common if there are other medical conditions or if the person is obese. Consult your doctor to determine your risk. Before starting the treatment, you may need to take a pregnancy test. Dolutegravir or lamivudine can harm an unborn child if taken at the time conception occurs or in the first 12 weeks after conception. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant. Use your medication properly to control infections. HIV can be transmitted to your child if you do not control the virus during pregnancy. You may have your name listed in a registry that tracks the effects of antiviral medicines on the baby. 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 and lamivudine?
Your doctor may run tests to ensure that you don't have hepatitis B before you begin treatment with lamivudine and dolutegravir.Read all instructions or guides included with your medication and adhere to its directions exactly. Follow the directions on the label.Dolutegravir and Lamivudine can be taken with or without food. Medical tests will be required frequently. If you have ever had the hepatitis B virus, it may become active during or worsen after treatment with lamivudine and dolutegravir, or even months after stopping the medication. You may require frequent liver function testing while taking dolutegravir or lamivudine and even for several months following your last dose. Do not stop taking lamivudine or dolutegravir without consulting your doctor. Each person living with HIV should be under the care and supervision of a physician. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for HIV infection:
Take 1 tablet once daily, orally.
Uses: When starting treatment from scratch for HIV-1 infection in individuals without previous antiretroviral use history or to replace an effective and stable antiretroviral regimen that has failed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL with no known resistance mutations to its components), the regimen provides complete coverage.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip any that might have been missed and do not double up on one medicine at the same time. Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Dolutegravir or lamivudine won't stop your illness from spreading. Share razors and toothbrushes, but 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. St. John's wort is a dangerous herb. John's wort.
Interaction with other drug
Some medicines can reduce the effectiveness of lamivudine and dolutegravir when taken together. Take your lamivudine and dolutegravir doses 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking the other medication.
- Antacids and laxatives containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum (such antacids as Amphojel, Di-Gel Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Rulox, or Tums) or ulcer medicines suralfate or carafate;
- Buffered medication
- Vitamin or mineral supplements containing calcium or iron
Dolutegravir, lamivudine, and other drugs may interact with each other. These include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
