Dolutegravir is used to treat HIV infections.
What is Dolutegravir?
Dolutegravir is an HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor. It works by blocking the enzyme necessary for the HIV virus to replicate.
How should Dolutegravir be taken?
Dolutegravir is administered orally.
Side effects associated with Dolutegravir
Among the possible side effects of Dolutegravir include the following:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Variations in the accumulation of adipose tissue (especially at the arms, legs, face, neck, chest and waist)
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat or tongue
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Jaundice
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Dolutegravir
Dolutegravir is contraindicated in case of treatment with dofetilide. Six hours before and two hours after taking Dolutegravir, it is necessary to avoid:
- Antacids or laxatives based on calcium, magnesium or aluminum
- Sucralfate
- Buffered drugs
- Vitamin or mineral supplements containing calcium or iron
Before starting treatment with Dolutegravir, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, or to any other drugs, food or various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: oral antidiabetics, antituberculosis drugs such as rifampin, St. John's wort, other HIV or AIDS medications or anticonvulsants
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from liver disease, particularly hepatitis B and C
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
