Dolutegravir
About Dolutegravir
Dolutegravir belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines called HIV integrase inhibitors indicated for the treatment of HIV infection. Dolutegravir does not cure HIV infection. It reduces the viral load in the body and keeps it at a low level. Taking Dolutegravir decreases the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and HIV-related illnesses such as cancer or serious infections.
Dolutegravir contains Dolutegravir, which works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. It also increases the count of CD4 cells, a type of white blood cells that help the body fight infection.
In some cases, Dolutegravir may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Pregnancy testing should be performed in adolescents and adults of reproductive potential prior to starting Dolutegravir to rule out the use of Dolutegravir during the first trimester of pregnancy. Advise adolescents and adults with reproductive potential to take effective contraception on a regular basis. Avoid breastfeeding whilst on treatment with Dolutegravir. Dolutegravir may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to prevent side effects/interactions.
Uses of Dolutegravir
Medicinal Benefits
Dolutegravir contains Dolutegravir, which belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines indicated for the treatment of HIV infection. Dolutegravir reduces the viral load in the body and keeps it at a low level. It also increases the count of CD4 cells, a type of white blood cells that help the body fight infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dolutegravir
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Flatulence (wind)
Drug Warnings
Do not take Dolutegravir if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are taking fampridine (used in multiple sclerosis) or dofetilide (used to treat heart conditions). Inform your doctor if you notice joint pain, bone problems, and stiffness or symptoms of infection/inflammation, such as fever, headache, stomach ache, and difficulty breathing. Let the doctor know if you are taking prescription/non-prescription medicines, including herbal products or supplements.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking medicine used to treat multiple sclerosis (fampridine), anti-diabetics (metformin), antacids, calcium or iron supplements, multivitamins, anti-bacterial (rifampicin), anti-convulsant (phenytoin, phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine), herbal product (St.John’s wort).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have multiple sclerosis, heart problems, diabetes, epilepsy, hepatitis B or C, liver or kidney problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Dolutegravir interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionDolutegravir may increase the risk of birth defects. Please consult the doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Dolutegravir.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Dolutegravir. HIV-positive women must not breastfeed as HIV infection can be passed to the baby in breast milk.
Driving
cautionDolutegravir may cause dizziness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorLimited information is available. Please consult your doctor if you have liver problems. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Dolutegravir.
Kidney
consult your doctorLimited information is available. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney problems. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Dolutegravir.
Children
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Dolutegravir in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practise safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
- Never share personal items that can have body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
- Avoid sharing used needles, other injections or drug equipment.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food, vegetables and fruits as it helps to boost your immune system. Opt for lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
- Eat bland and low-fat foods. Avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
- Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with family or doing whatever makes you happy.
Special Advise
- During HIV therapy, there may be weight gain, and increase in blood lipids and blood glucose levels. Regular monitoring is advised.
- Discuss with your doctor about effective birth control methods that you can use during your treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help fight infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition, and there is no definite cure for it. However, it can be controlled by treating with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Dolutegravir works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. It also increases the count of CD4 cells, a type of white blood cells that help the body to fight infection.
Antacids used to treat heartburn or indigestion, multivitamins, calcium or iron supplements may stop the absorption of Dolutegravir and make it less effective. Therefore, do not take antacid, multivitamins, calcium or iron supplements 6 hours before and 2 hours after taking Dolutegravir. However, consult the doctor before taking other medicines while on treatment with Dolutegravir.
Few people taking combination therapy for HIV may develop osteonecrosis. Consult the doctor if you experience symptoms of osteonecrosis, such as stiffness in the joints, joint pain or aches, and difficulty moving.
