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Dolutegravir Tablets

Dolutegravir works with other medications to treat HIV. This condition slowly weakens your immune system until you are unable to fight off illnesses. This medication comes in a tablet form that you can take by mouth with a glass of water as directed.

What is this medication?

DOLUTEGRAVIR (DOE loo TEG ra veer) helps manage the symptoms of HIV infection. It works by limiting the spread of HIV in the body. This medication is not a cure for HIV or AIDS and it may still be possible to spread HIV to others while taking it. It does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): TIVICAY

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Liver disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to dolutegravir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.

Talk to your pharmacist about when to take your medications. Some medications must be separated from this one by several hours.

For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses can make the HIV virus resistant to this and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Dofetilide

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS, such as efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine, fosamprenavir;ritonavir, tipranavir;ritonavir
  • Buffered medications, such as buffered aspirin
  • Calcium supplements
  • Certain antacids
  • Certain laxatives
  • Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
  • Iron supplements
  • Metformin
  • Rifampin
  • St. John's wort
  • Sucralfate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need to have important blood work done while taking this medication.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Worsening mood, feelings of depression

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

You will be instructed on how to store this medication.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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