ABACAVIR,DOLUTEGRAVIR,LAMIVUDINE
Background and Date of Approval
The combination of abacavir, dolutegravir and lamivudine comprises three antiviral medications. This regimen received approval for medical use on 22 August 2014.
Uses
Abacavir, Dolutegravir, and Lamivudine have been developed to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1). Abacavir, Dolutegravir, and Lamivudine Tablet is indicated as a complete regimen for treating adults and children infected with HIV 1.
How is it administered?
Abacavir, Dolutegravir and Lamivudine is available as film-coated tablets and oral suspension. The tablets consist of 600mg of Abacavir, 50mg of Dolutegravir, and 300mg of Lamivudine. The usual recommended dosage of this combination regimen is one tablet every day with or without food.
Side Effects
During treatment with Abacavir, Dolutegravir, and Lamivudine Tablet, you may experience commonly occurring side effects such as insomnia, tiredness and headache. Serious adverse reactions that may develop include bone loss, worsening of Hepatitis B, kidney injury, immune reconstitution syndrome, lactic acidosis, and liver problems. Should you develop any allergic reactions following administration of this tablet, notify your doctor without delay.
Warnings
Do not take this medication if you have experienced hypersensitivity reactions to Abacavir, Dolutegravir or Lamivudine. During the Abacavir, Dolutegravir and Lamivudine Tablet treatment, your doctor will test you for hepatitis B virus and may periodically monitor your blood counts, bone mineral density, liver and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, pancreatitis, bone disease, fractures, liver or kidney problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have been tested for a gene variation called HLA-B*5701.
Precautions
Adults of childbearing potential should consider using an effective contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, your physician might suggest an alternative treatment as this combination regimen is not recommended during early pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not recommended due to potential transmission of HIV from mother to the baby.
Word of Advice
Abacavir, Dolutegravir and Lamivudine can make you feel tired. Hence, you should avoid driving or handling machines during this treatment.
References
1. KD Tripathi, Antiviral Drugs (Anti-retrovirus), Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 860-872. 2. GlaxoSmithKline., U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Mar 2022] [Accessed on 19th Sep 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215413s000lbl.pdf 3. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of a Single Oral Dose of Abacavir/Dolutegravir/Lamivudine Combination Tablets in Healthy Japanese Study Participants, Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development, 2021,10(9), 985â993, https://accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cpdd.996
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of Abacavir, Dolutegravir, and Lamivudine Tablets?
If you forget to take a dose of Abacavir, Dolutegravir and Lamivudine tablet, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take your next dose as per schedule and do not take extra tablet to make up for the missed dose.
What happens when you stop taking Abacavir, Dolutegravir and Lamivudine Tablet?
If you stop taking Abacavir, Dolutegravir and Lamivudine Tablet without consulting your physician, especially if you are undergoing treatment for HIV and hepatitis B, you might experience a flare-up of hepatitis B infection.
Can you drink alcohol during treatment with Abacavir, Dolutegravir, and Lamivudine Tablet?
It is not recommended to consume alcohol while on treatment with Abacavir, Dolutegravir and Lamivudine Tablet as alcohol might affect the way this combination regimen works in your body.
What are the required laboratory parameters prior to starting this treatment?
If you are an adolescent or adult of childbearing potential, your healthcare provider will perform a pregnancy test before prescribing this treatment. other prominent tests include test HLA-B*5701 gene variation test, HBV infection, serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose and urine protein.
How to store Abacavir, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine tablets?
Store Abacavir, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine tablets at room temperature away from the reach of children. Keep the container closed to protect the tablets from moisture.
What are some of the long-term side effects of this combination regimen?
Some serious side effects of this combination regimen include worsening of hepatitis B, bone loss, kidney injury, pancreatitis, immune reconstitution syndrome, liver toxicity and hypersensitivity reactions.
What are the symptoms of lactic acidosis?
Unusual weakness, tiredness, muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat and feeling cold especially in your arms and legs are the most prominent symptoms of lactic acidosis.