Dolutegravir is used together with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. It only helps to keep the virus in check and can help improve the quality of life. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Take Dolutegravir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If your HIV infection is resistant to other medicines similar to Dolutegravir, your doctor may advise you to take this medicine with food.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet or a dispersible or soluble tablet for oral suspension. Do not change from one drug form to another without consulting your doctor first.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you have been given the dispersible or soluble tablet, it may be swallowed whole or dispersed in water to make an oral suspension. If you are swallowing it whole, do not swallow more than one tablet at a time to lower the risk of choking. Do not chew, cut or crush the tablet. If to be dispersed in water, fill the provided cup with 5 mL (for 1-3 tablets) or 10 mL (for 4-6 tablets) of water. Add the required number of tablets to the water. Gently swirl the cup for 1-2 minutes until a cloudy mixture is formed with no remaining lumps. Drink the suspension directly from the cup or use the oral syringe provided within 30 minutes of mixing. To ensure the full dose is taken, add another 5 mL into the cup, swirl, then drink again or draw up the remaining suspension into the oral syringe.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your age, infection status, and previous treatment experience.
Take Dolutegravir at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if your next dose is due within 4 hours, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Dolutegravir if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Do not take Dolutegravir with certain medicines for irregular heartbeat or multiple sclerosis (scars or lesions in the brain and spinal cord). Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hepatitis B or C infection (contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through contact with infected blood or other body fluids)
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon.
It is best that you do not breastfeed as HIV passes into the breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding in order to reduce the risk of passing HIV to your baby. It is recommended to give your baby commercial infant formula provided that you have access to clean water and facilities. If you are planning to breastfeed, discuss it with your doctor.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Dolutegravir to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Dolutegravir is not a cure for HIV. It only helps to slow down the development of HIV infection.
This medicine does not reduce your risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual contact or contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading HIV infection to others.
Both Dolutegravir and HIV may weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid crowded places or those who are sick to minimise the risk of catching an infection. While undergoing treatment, you may develop other infections or experience other health problems. Always keep your doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed check-ups.
A certain enzyme called UGT1A1 is involved in the breakdown of Dolutegravir in the body. Individuals who are UGT1A1 poor metabolisers may have increased exposure to this medicine. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, cholesterol levels, amount of HIV in a blood sample) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of allergic reactions or liver problems may also be needed.
Dolutegravir may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach wind, stomach pain or discomfort, weight gain, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, abnormal dreams, feeling anxious or depressed, and skin itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or tongue
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, swelling in the legs and ankles
- fever, frequent sore throat, mouth sores, fast or irregular heartbeat, tremor, restlessness, feeling very tired or weak
- joint pain or stiffness, difficulty moving
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Dolutegravir with the following medicines:
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. dofetilide, pilsicainide
- fampridine (medicine for multiple sclerosis [scars or lesions in the brain and spinal cord])
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for HIV infection e.g. etravirine, efavirenz, nevirapine, atazanavir, tipranavir/ritonavir or fosamprenavir/ritonavir combinations
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine
- metformin (medicine for diabetes)
- rifampicin (medicine used to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dolutegravir.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids), laxatives (medicines for constipation), sucralfate (medicine for stomach ulcer), and calcium or iron-containing supplements or multivitamins as they could reduce the effectiveness of Dolutegravir. If you must take these medicines, take Dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking these medicines.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep the tablets in their original package to protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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