DOLUTEGRAVIR,LAMIVUDINE
Background and Date of Approval
Dolutegravir and lamivudine is a combination antiretroviral medicine approved by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in patients.
Uses
Dolutegravir, Lamivudine are used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in adults and adolescents over 12 who weigh at least 40 kg. HIV infection occurs when a person's immune system is attacked and weakened by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This infection progressively weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections.
How is it administered?
It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Dolutegravir, Lamivudine based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Dolutegravir, Lamivudine are headache, itching, dizziness, stomach pain, depression, difficulty sleeping, hair loss and muscle pain. Serious side effects can also occur such as severe allergic reactions like fever, rash, nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath, swelling of the face or mouth and tiredness.
Warnings
This drug is contraindicated and should not be used if you have any known allergy or hypersensitivity to this tablet or other ingredients in the medication. Antacids can interfere with the absorption of the drug and reduce its effectiveness. It is recommended not to take an antacid within 6 hours before or at least 2 hours after taking this tablet. You can take other acid-lowering medications, such as ranitidine, and omeprazole can be taken simultaneously with this tablet. You must consult your doctor for specific advice on taking acid-lowering medicines in conjunction with this medicine. Taking this tablet during the first weeks of pregnancy or when becoming pregnant may increase the risk of a malformed spinal cord in the baby. Inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspecting, or planning to get pregnant before taking this medicine. The doctor will explain the potential risks and benefits. Breastfeeding is not recommended because the viral infection can pass through breast milk with this Dolutegravir, Lamivudine.
Precautions
Supplements or multivitamins with calcium, iron, or magnesium make the drug too difficult to absorb and reduce its effectiveness. Taking this tablet with food makes it possible to take these supplements concurrently. However, if you take it without food, avoid taking calcium, iron, or magnesium supplements for at least six hours before or two hours after taking the tablet. Consult your doctor for more guidance regarding using these supplements alongside Dolutegravir, Lamivudine. This tablet can interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. It's necessary to inform your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, to ensure no potential interactions.
Word of Advice
To reduce the risk of HIV transmission, avoid sharing needles or syringes, as these can transmit HIV infection readily. Individuals who use injectable drugs must use sterile needles and syringes and never share them with others. Personal items such as toothbrushes, razor blades, or any item that may have contact with blood or body fluids should not be shared, as HIV can be present in blood and certain body fluids, and sharing these items may transmit the virus. Dolutegravir and Lamivudine are contraindicated in breastfeeding because HIV infection can pass to the infant through breast milk; alternative feeding methods should be used to support infant nutrition. If you miss a dose of Dolutegravir and Lamivudine for an entire day, take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
References
ViiV Healthcare UK Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on May 2021] [ Accessed on 17 May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10446.pdf Kandel CE, Walmsley SL, Dolutegravir - a review of the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety with the treatment of HIV, Drug Des Devel Ther., 2015, 7(9), 3547-55, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4500604/pdf/dddt-9-3547.pdf KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 807-808. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiretroviral agents and treatment of HIV infection, 12th edition, 2011, 1634-1635.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dolutegravir, Lamivudine be used in combination with other drugs?
Dolutegravir, Lamivudine can be combined with other antiretroviral drugs as an HIV treatment regimen. Combination therapy involving multiple antiretroviral drugs is the standard approach for treating HIV infection. This combination of medications from different drug classes helps to maximize the effectiveness of treatment and minimize the risk of developing drug resistance.
How do the Dolutegravir, Lamivudine work?
Dolutegravir, Lamivudine work by inhibiting different enzymes that are necessary for the replication of HIV. It blocks the integrase enzyme, preventing the insertion of viral DNA into the DNA of the host immune cells. The other drug inhibits the reverse transcriptase enzyme, essential for converting viral RNA into DNA.
How will I receive the Dolutegravir, Lamivudine?
Always take Dolutegravir, Lamivudine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not break, chew, crush, or them. Swallow the whole with water.
Whether Dolutegravir, Lamivudine are safe for breastfeeding?
Dolutegravir, Lamivudine is unsafe for breastfeeding because HIV infection can be easily passed to the baby through the breast milk, so it should be avoided.
Who shoot take a Dolutegravir, Lamivudine?
Dolutegravir, Lamivudine should not be taken by individuals who are allergic to it or its ingredients.