What is Pifeltro?
Pifeltro is an antiviral drug that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying within your body. The virus known as HIV-1 may result in an acquired immunodeficiency disorder (AIDS). Pifeltro can be used for treating Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) disease in children and adults who weigh at least 77 lbs (35 kilograms).
- People who haven't received HIV-1-related medicines previously, or
- To replace their medications for those whose healthcare provider has determined that they meet certain criteria.
It isn't clear whether Pifeltro is safe and effective for children weighing less than 77 lbs (35 kilograms). Pifeltro is not an effective treatment for HIV or AIDS.
Warnings
Inform your doctor about the medicines you are currently taking and all the ones you begin or stop taking. Numerous drugs interfere with Pifeltro, and certain medications should not be used in conjunction with each other.
Side effects of Pifeltro
Take immediate medical attention. If you show symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction, Pifeltro: hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue
Doravirine can affect the immune system and cause some negative side effects (even months or even weeks after taking this medication). Inform your doctor whether you suffer from:
- Symptoms of an infection that is new, such as night sweats, fever, swelling of the glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, vomiting, and weight loss;
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking; issues with balance or eye movement; and prickly or weak feeling problems swallowing or speaking;
- Swelling in your throat or neck (enlarged thyroid) menstrual fluctuations, impotence
Common Pifeltro adverse effects could include:
- Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain;
- Headache, dizziness;
- Tiredness; or
- Strange dreams.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be present. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Biktarvy, Descovy, Truvada, Tenofovir, Atripla, Complera, and Stribild
Prior to use this drug
It is not recommended to take Pifeltro if you are allergic to doravirine.
A variety of drugs interact and create dangerous adverse effects. Certain medications shouldn't be used with pifeltro. Your physician may alter your treatment regimen when you've taken any of the following medications within the last 4 weeks:
- Enzalutamide;
- Mitotane;
- Rifampin;
- Rifapentine;
- John's wort or
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or oxcarbazepine.
Inform your doctor if you are expecting a baby, and take the correct medications to manage your infection. HIV is able to be passed on to your child if the virus is not managed during pregnancy. Your name might be recorded on a registry that tracks the effects of antiviral medication on your baby.
Women who have HIV or AIDS shouldn't feed their babies. Even if your child is born with HIV, it is possible that the virus will be transmitted to the child by the milk you give them. This medicine is not authorized to be used by anyone less than 18 years old.
How to take Pifeltro?
Use Pifeltro exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and study all medication guides or instructions sheets. Drink Pifeltro in the exact same order every day, either with or without meals.
Pifeltro is generally taken once a day. If you are also taking the medication known as Rifabutin, you may have to take doravirine two times per day. Follow the instructions of your doctor for dosage extremely carefully.
Make sure to take all HIV medication as directed, and carefully read the drug guides you are given. Don't alter your dose or dosing schedule without a physician's guidance. Anyone suffering from HIV must remain under the supervision of a physician. Keep tablets in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture. Place tablets in the original container and the packaging or container of the preservative with moisture absorption. Do not place tablets in the daily pill box.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for HIV Infection:
100 mg orally every day
Use: In combination with other antiretroviral agents, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients with no prior antiretroviral treatment history, or to replace the current antiretroviral regimen in patients virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to this drug.
Usual Pediatric Dose for HIV Infection:
At least 35 kg of 100 mg of oral dose every day
Use: In combination with other antiretroviral agents, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients with no prior antiretroviral treatment history, or to replace the current antiretroviral regimen in patients virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to this drug.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, avoid any missed doses if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.
Make sure you refill your prescription before you run out of medication completely. The absence of doses can increase the chance of the virus developing resistance to treatment.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or any activity.
Interaction with other drugs
Discuss with your doctor all other medications, particularly:
- Rifabutin (or rifabutin if you've taken it within the last four weeks)
This list is not comprehensive. Other medications can be incompatible with doravirine, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs. are included here.
