When you are living with HIV, your doctor may have prescribed you various medications. These medications can help you live a normal, healthy life. One of the most important medications is Dolutegravir. You may have heard this name from your doctor. Today, we will talk about this medication in a very simple and friendly way, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
Simply put, what is Dolutegravir?
Dolutegravir is a drug in the antiretroviral class of drugs. It is used in combination with several other drugs to treat HIV infection.
It is important to remember that this medicine cannot completely cure HIV infection. However, it does control the activity of the HIV virus in your body. Once the virus is controlled, your immune system has a chance to get stronger again. Also, when used correctly, this medicine can significantly reduce, although not completely eliminate, the risk of you passing the HIV virus to someone else.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is essential to share these facts with your doctor for your safety and the success of your treatment.
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have any allergies to Dolutegravir or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, this is very important.
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of your medication, you need to use it as directed.
General instructions
This medicine is to be taken by mouth. You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach discomfort, it is best to take it with a meal.
The most important thing is to take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses for any reason. If you skip doses, the HIV virus can become resistant to this medicine and other medicines. If that happens, treatment will be even more difficult.
If taken as pills
If your doctor has given you whole tablets, do not break them, crush them, or chew them like chewing gum . If you have to take more than one tablet, take one tablet at a time to reduce the risk of choking.
If you dissolve the tablets in water and take them as a solution
Sometimes, especially for young children, the doctor will give this medicine dissolved in water and give it to them to drink. It is called an ``oral suspension''.
- Use the same cup you were given to dissolve the medicine.
- If 1 to 3 tablets, add 5 milliliters (5 mL) of water.
- If 4 to 6 tablets, add 10 milliliters (10 mL) of water.
- Place the tablets in the water and stir well so that no lumps remain.
- You should drink the liquid within 30 minutes of mixing it .
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can interact with dolutegravir, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Drug / Product Type | How to be careful and examples |
|---|---|
| Don't take it at all. | Dofetilide: This is a heart disease medication. Taking it with dolutegravir can cause serious side effects. |
| Other HIV/AIDS medications | Drugs such as Efavirenz, Etravirine, Nevirapine, Fosamprenavir/ritonavir, Tipranavir/ritonavir. |
| Antacids, vitamins and minerals | Products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, or magnesium. These can reduce the absorption of dolutegravir into the body. Therefore, take these at least 6 hours after or 2 hours before taking dolutegravir. Be sure to ask your doctor about this. |
| Medications for seizures | Drugs like Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital. |
| Other medications | Metformin (for diabetes), Rifampin (for tuberculosis), St. John's Wort (an herbal extract), Sucralfate (for gastritis). |
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., less than 4 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. If you have any concerns, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Signs of Liver Injury | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stools, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite. |
| Other serious symptoms | Signs of infection such as difficulty breathing, muscle or joint pain, redness, blistering or peeling of the skin, including in the mouth, fever, and sore throat. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but should be reported if they persist) | |
| Minor side effects | Headache, difficulty sleeping. |
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is very important! Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. This is because it can cause serious side effects in the unborn baby. If you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Store at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius).
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle you received it in, tightly closed.
- Do not remove the small packet that absorbs moisture inside the bottle. It keeps the medicine dry.
- Throw away expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Dolutegravir is an important medicine that helps control HIV. It does not cure the disease, but it helps you live a healthy life by controlling the virus.
- As the doctor says, it is extremely important to take the medicine without skipping any meals .
- If you are taking vitamins, iron, or calcium, take them at a different time than when you take dolutegravir. Ask your doctor about this.
- If you experience symptoms such as severe allergic reactions or liver problems, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. You are not alone, there are doctors who can help you.
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