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Health Library

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Dolutegravir Oral Tablet (DOLUTEGRAVIR - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • HIV
  • prevent infection

Brand Name(s): Tivicay

Generic Name: Dolutegravir

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Ask your doctor if any of your medicines need to be taken at the same time.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

This medicine does not stop the spread of viruses that are passed through the blood or during sex.

Always use condoms during sex.

Do not share needles or other personal objects such as shavers or toothbrushes.

Do not take any medicine containing magnesium or aluminum (such as antacids, vitamins, quinapril, didanosine, sucralfate) for 6 hours before or 2 hours after this medicine.

If you take this medicine without food, do not take any medicine containing calcium or iron (such as antacids, vitamins) for 6 hours before or 2 hours after this medicine. If you take this medicine with food, you can take calcium or iron at the same time.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.

Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • headaches

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • coughing
  • depression or feeling sad
  • fever or chills
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • pain in the joints
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • muscle pain or weakness
  • nervousness
  • sore throat
  • difficulty speaking
  • suicidal thoughts
  • difficulty swallowing
  • swelling in the neck or throat
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • unexpected or extreme weight loss

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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