Has your doctor prescribed you a combination of drugs called Dolutegravir and Lamivudine to treat your HIV infection? You may know this by the brand name Dovato. You may have some questions and perhaps even some concerns about this medication, what it does, how to take it, and what precautions to take. Don't worry, we'll talk about all of this very simply and clearly today.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine helps control the symptoms of HIV infection. It works by limiting the spread of the HIV virus inside your body. It is a combination of two antiretroviral drugs .
However, there is one very important thing you need to remember. This is not a complete cure for HIV or AIDS. Even while taking this medicine, you can still infect someone else with HIV. Also, this medicine does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important that your doctor has a complete picture of your health. Therefore, before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or problem | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | The dosage of the medication may need to be changed or special care may be required. |
| Liver disease | This is important for treatment while taking into account liver function. |
| Allergies to Dolutegravir, Lamivudine or any other ingredients | This is essential to prevent serious reactions if you have allergies to things like medicine, food, or dyes. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Because this medication may affect the fetus, it is important to discuss alternatives with your doctor. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | You should talk to your doctor about the possibility of the medication passing to your baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This medicine should be taken by mouth with water. You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach discomfort, it is better to take it with food.
The most important thing is to take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the right time, and never miss a dose . If you skip doses, the HIV virus can become resistant to this medicine and even other medicines. This means that later on, this medicine may not work for you. Therefore, continue taking this treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
A special point to note
If you are taking antacids, sucralfate, magnesium or aluminum-containing laxatives ( laxatives ), do not take them at the same time as this HIV medicine. Take them 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking this medicine .
For example, if you take your HIV medication at 8 am, you should take an antacid either before 6 am or after 2 pm.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose or take extra doses.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications may interact with this medicine, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Do not take these with anything. | |
|---|---|
| - Dofetilide | |
| Be sure to talk to your doctor if you take these. | |
| Other HIV or AIDS medications | Calcium or iron supplements |
| Types of Antacids | Laxatives |
| Some medications for epilepsy (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin) | Metformin |
| Rifampin | Sorbitol |
| St. John's wort | Sucralfate |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications, herbs, and vitamins you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: See your doctor regularly to check on the progress of your treatment. Talk to him or her about any new symptoms. You may also need to have some blood tests during this time.
- Severe skin allergies: Severe skin allergies can occur even weeks after starting this medication.
- About HIV transmission: As we mentioned earlier, HIV can still be transmitted through sexual contact or blood, even if you take this medicine. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent the spread of HIV.
- Hepatitis B status: If you have Hepatitis B infection along with HIV, be sure to talk to your doctor before stopping this medication. Stopping the medication may worsen Hepatitis B symptoms.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away expired medication.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, on time, and never miss a dose .
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and medical conditions you are taking.
- Be aware of serious skin rashes that occur with fever, and seek medical advice immediately if this occurs.
- Keep in mind that this medication is not a complete cure for HIV, and you should still follow safety measures.
- Never stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor, especially if you have Hepatitis B.
If you develop a rash with symptoms like a fever or cold, tell your doctor right away. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister or peel. If you also notice swelling of the face, lips, or a lumpy rash on the neck or armpits, it could be a serious condition.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| If these symptoms occur, inform your doctor as soon as possible. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| High lactic acid level | Muscle pain or stiffness, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, general discomfort, and fatigue. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, or sore throat. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual weakness. |
| Usually not serious, but what to tell the doctor if it persists | |
| Flatulence | Headache |
| Tiredness / Fatigue | Nausea |
| Insomnia | Mood swings, feelings like depression. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you notice any other changes, please ask your doctor about them.
How to store medicine?
When throwing away unused or expired medications, check the label or ask your doctor whether they should be thrown in the trash. If they should be thrown in the trash, remove the pills from the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds or soil, seal them tightly in a bag or container, and throw them in the trash.
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