Dolutegravir; Rilpivirine oral tablets

November 11, 2018

Dolutegravir; Rilpivirine oral tablets

What is this medicine?

DOLUTEGRAVIR; RILPIVIRINE (doe loo teg ra veer; RIL pi VIR een) is 2 antiretroviral medicines in 1 tablet. It is used 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 and food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. 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. Special care may be needed

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

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

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

  • diarrhea

  • headache

  • trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

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

  • certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole

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

  • certain medicines for stomach problems like esomeprazole, pantoprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole

  • cisapride

  • dexamethasone

  • dofetilide

  • dronedarone

  • lumacaftor; ivacaftor

  • pimozide

  • rifampin

  • rifapentine

  • St. John's wort; Hypericum perforatum

  • thioridazine

  • ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • buffered medicines, like buffered aspirin

  • calcium supplements

  • certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin, rifabutin

  • certain medicines for stomach problems like aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine

  • iron supplements

  • metformin

  • methadone

  • other antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

  • other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

  • sucralfate

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.

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

  • suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to dolutegravir, rilpivirine, other medicines, 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