Did your doctor start you on a drug called Dolutegravir as a treatment for HIV infection? It's normal to feel a little scared and have a lot of questions when you hear this name. "What kind of drug is this? How exactly do I use it? Will there be any side effects?" You probably have questions like this in your mind. Don't worry. Let's talk about all this simply, in a way that you can understand.
What exactly is Dolutegravir?
Simply put, Dolutegravir is a drug in a class of drugs called antiretrovirals . It fights the HIV virus. This drug is usually used in combination with one or more other HIV medications.
Many people think that these drugs can completely cure HIV. But that's not the truth. These drugs do not cure HIV infection. Instead, they control the virus in your body, reduce the amount of virus, and protect your immune system.
Also, when used correctly, this medicine can greatly reduce , if not completely eliminate, the risk of you passing HIV to someone else.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
For your safety, be sure to discuss these things with your doctor before starting this medication.
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have allergies to dolutegravir or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant , or planning to have a baby . (This is very important, we will talk about it later).
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Don't hide this kind of information from your doctor, because he will decide on the most suitable treatment for you after looking at all of this.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is essential to use it correctly.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with a meal .
- The most important thing is to take your medicine at the right time every day. Taking your medicine on time helps keep the levels of medicine in your blood consistent.
- Even if you feel well, never stop taking your medication or skip doses without your doctor's advice . Doing so can cause the HIV virus to become resistant not only to this medication but also to other medications, making it difficult to treat.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you suddenly think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Take the missed dose 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.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Dolutegravir is a medication that can interact with some other medications and vitamins. Therefore, it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Warning: If you are taking Dolutegravir, do not take dofetilide for any reason . Taking these two medications together can cause serious problems.
The table below lists some other things that may interact with Dolutegravir.
| Drug/Supplement Type | Things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Other HIV/AIDS medications | There may be problems with some medications such as efavirenz, etravirine, and nevirapine. Inform your doctor about this. |
| Antacids, Calcium and Iron tablets | These reduce the absorption of Dolutegravir into the body. Therefore, these should be taken 6 hours after or 2 hours before taking Dolutegravir. Ask your doctor for the correct time. |
| Some medicines for nausea | Tell your doctor if you are taking medications such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital. |
| Metformin for diabetes | If you are taking metformin, tell your doctor. The dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| St. John's Wort (herbal extract) | Avoid taking this as it reduces the effectiveness of Dolutegravir. |
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, or herbal supplement you take.
Things to be especially careful about when taking Dolutegravir
- Regular medical checkups: Attend clinics as scheduled as your doctor recommends. Get any blood tests you need.
- Avoid getting pregnant: This is very important. Avoid getting pregnant while taking Dolutegravir. If you think you may be pregnant, or if you are planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about using safe birth control.
- HIV Spread: HIV is spread through sexual contact and blood. Ask your doctor for more advice on how to prevent the spread of HIV by following safe practices.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Dolutegravir can cause side effects in some people, although not everybody gets them.
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Things like shortness of breath. |
| Skin problems | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, and feeling lethargic. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| If these persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Headache | Minor headache. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep. |
Take-Home Message
- Dolutegravir is a drug that controls HIV, not a cure.
- Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, and without skipping doses.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects (especially skin rashes, swelling, or yellowing of the eyes), tell your doctor immediately.
- Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Avoid stopping the medication without medical advice for any reason.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න