TIVICAY (Dolutegravir)

What is this medication?

TIVICAY (Dolutegravir)
Antiretroviral, Integrase Inhibitor (Anti-HIV)

TREMFYA (Guselkumab) in combination with other antiretroviral agents, is indicated for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection.

How does this medication work?

TIVICAY (Dolutegravir) inhibits the strand transfer step of HIV-1 DNA integration by binding the integrase active site thereby inhibiting the HIV replication cycle.

How should I take this medication?

Oral: Take 50mg once or twice daily depending on regimen and patient status as this medication must be used in combination with other antiretroviral agents.

How to Take: Administer without regard to meals 2 hours before or 6 hours after cation-containing antacids or laxatives, sucralfate, oral supplements containing iron or calcium, or buffered medications. Dolutegravir and supplements containing calcium or iron can be taken together with food and an alternate method.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Before starting TIVICAY (Dolutegravir) make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have liver disease, kidney disease, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Dolutegravir use has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as hepatotoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, and immune reconstitution syndrome.  Hypersensitivity reactions characterized by rash, constitutional findings, and sometimes organ dysfunction, including liver injury, have been reported. Discontinue Dolutegravir and other suspect agents immediately if signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions develop, as a delay in stopping treatment may result in a life-threatening reaction. Dolutegravir should not be used in patients who have experienced a previous hypersensitivity reaction.  If you have hepatitis B or C, you may be at increased risk for worsening or development of transaminase elevations with use of Dolutegravir.  Appropriate laboratory testing prior to initiating therapy and monitoring for hepatotoxicity during therapy with Dolutegravir is recommended in patients with underlying hepatic disease such as hepatitis B or C. Redistribution/accumulation of body fat and immune reconstitution syndrome have been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.  If you do not remember until it is within 4 hours of the time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and go back to the regular schedule.  Do not double the next dose or take more than the prescribed dose.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times.  Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C).  Protect from light.  Keep the container tightly closed.  Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Increased serum lipase, hyperglycemia, insomnia, increased creatinine phosphokinase in blood specimen.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for TIVICAY (Dolutegravir), only common ones.