We know the challenges of living with HIV. Dealing with multiple medications every day can be overwhelming at times. So, today we are going to talk about a combination of three medications in one pill that can help make this treatment process a little easier for you. Your doctor may have prescribed this to you, or you may have heard about it. Let's break it down for you.
What is this medicine? Simply put...
This is a combination of three drugs: Doravirine, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. All of these are antiviral drugs that work against the HIV virus, that is, antiretroviral drugs. What this pill does is make your life easier by doing it in one pill, instead of taking many pills a day.
But it's important to remember this: This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. Instead, it helps control the amount of HIV in your body and keep your immune system strong. Also, when used correctly, this medicine greatly reduces the risk of you passing HIV on to someone else. But it doesn't eliminate the risk completely.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know your complete health history. So, if you have any concerns about any of the following, don't hide it from your doctor.
| Health condition or fact | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease or related problems. | Since some of the ingredients in this medicine are excreted from the body through the kidneys, it is essential to know about kidney function. |
| Liver disease , especially Hepatitis B infection. | If you have hepatitis B, stopping this medication may worsen your symptoms, so your doctor should be aware of this. |
| Bone problems (e.g. osteoporosis, thinning of bones, frequent fractures). | The tenofovir component of the drug can sometimes affect bone density. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding . | It is very important to discuss the safety of this medication with your doctor during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
| If you have allergies to any of the ingredients in this medicine or to any other medicine, food, or dye . | This is essential to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
How should I use the medicine?
It's very simple. You just have to take one pill a day, with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it's better to take it with food.
Very important!
Do not skip doses for any reason. This is the most important thing you need to remember. If you skip doses, the virus in your body will start to fight against this medicine. That means the virus will become resistant to the medicine (HIV virus resistant). If that happens, not only this medicine, but also other medicines given for HIV may not work for you. So, take the medicine at the right time, as prescribed by the doctor.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
We all forget sometimes. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine by mistake, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other medicines that should not be used with this medicine and which you should be careful with
Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, not just those prescribed by your doctor, but also any over-the-counter painkillers, Ayurvedic medicines, vitamins, and herbs you use. Some medications can interact with this medicine.
| Do not take these medications with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| Other HIV medications: Any medication containing Efavirenz, Etravirine, Nevirapine | Antibiotics: Some types such as Rifampin, Rifapentine |
| Medicines for epilepsy: Types such as Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin | Herbal products: St. John's wort |
| Anticancer drugs: Apalutamide, Enzalutamide, Mitotane | |
| If you are taking these medications, talk to your doctor and be very careful! | |
| Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Things like Ibuprofen, Naproxen. | Medicines for other viral infections: Adefovir, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Ganciclovir, etc. |
| Other HIV medications. | The antibiotic rifabutin . |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: Go to the clinic on the days your doctor prescribes to check your condition. It is essential to get the blood tests you need done on time.
- New symptoms: If you develop any new symptoms, even if you think they are minor, tell your doctor.
- HIV Transmission: Even with this medicine, HIV can still be passed on to another person through sexual contact or blood contact. Ask your healthcare team about safe ways to prevent this.
- If you have Hepatitis B: If you have Hepatitis B infection, do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice for any reason. Doing so may cause your liver disease to suddenly worsen.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are normal and go away in a few days. But some things need to be taken care of immediately.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately! | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Bone or muscle pain | Bone pain, muscle pain or weakness. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, pain when urinating. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor . | |
| Headache, dizziness | Diarrhea, Nausea |
| Unusual tiredness or fatigue | Strange or vivid dreams |
How should you store the medicine?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle, tightly closed, and protected from moisture.
- Do not remove the desiccant packet inside the bottle. It keeps the medicine dry.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- This is a single pill that combines three drugs to make HIV treatment easier. It doesn't cure the disease, but it controls it.
- The most important thing is to never skip a dose of medication for any reason. Doing so can cause the virus to become resistant to the medication.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take (including painkillers and vitamins).
- If you experience any serious side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe skin rashes, seek medical advice immediately.
- Continue to follow safe methods to prevent HIV transmission. If you have any questions, talk openly with your doctor.
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