DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Dolutegravir Oral tablet

November 11, 2018

Dolutegravir Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

DOLUTEGRAVIR (doe loo teg ra veer) is an antiretroviral medicine. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. This medicine can lower, but not fully prevent, the risk of spreading HIV to others.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • muscle or joint pain

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

  • signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or trouble passing urine

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

  • headache

  • trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • dofetilide

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS like efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, tipranavir/ritonavir

  • buffered medicines, like buffered aspirin

  • calcium supplements

  • certain antacids

  • certain laxatives

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital

  • iron supplements

  • metformin

  • rifampin

  • St. John's Wort; Hypericum perforatum

  • sucralfate

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If your next dose is to be taken in less than 4 hours, then do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

  • liver disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to dolutegravir, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

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

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

Updated:  

November 11, 2018