Brand Name(s):

• Tivicay^®
• Juluca^® (as a combination product containing dolutegravir, rilpivirine)

WHY is this medicine prescribed?    TOP

Dolutegravir is used with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children who weigh at least 66 lb (30 kg). It is also used in combination with rilpivirine (Edurant) to treat HIV in certain adults to replace their current HIV medication(s). Dolutegravir is in a class of medications called HIV integrase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in your blood and increasing the number of immune cells that help fight infections in your body. Although dulotegravir does not cure HIV, using it along with other medications may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of transmitting (spreading) the HIV virus to other people.

HOW should this medicine be used?    TOP

Dolutegravir comes as a tablet to take by mouth once or twice a day with or without food. Take dolutegravir at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dolutegravir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take dolutegravir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dolutegravir without talking to your doctor. When your supply of dolutegravir runs low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist. If you stop taking dolutegravir or miss doses, your condition may become worse and more difficult to treat with medication.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?    TOP

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?    TOP

Before taking dolutegravir,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dolutegravir, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in dolutegravir tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's patient information for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor if you are taking dofetilide (Tikosyn). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take dolutegravir if you are taking this medication.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins ,and nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: other medications for HIV including efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla), etravirine (Intelence), fosamprenavir (Lexiva) taken with ritonavir (Norvir), nevirapine (Viramune), and tipranavir (Aptivus) taken with ritonavir (Norvir); certain medications for seizures including carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol), oxcarbazepine (Oxtellar XR, Trileptal), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); metformin (Glumetza, Glucophage, Riomet); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• if you are taking antacids or laxatives that contain aluminum, magnesium, or calcium; calcium supplements; iron supplements; sucralfate (Carafate); or buffered medications such as buffered aspirin, take them 2 hours after or 6 hours before you take dolutegravir.
• tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease or liver disease including hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You will need to take a pregnancy test before you start treatment. You should not become pregnant while you are taking dolutegravir. Talk to your doctor about effective birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you become pregnant while taking dolutegravir, call your doctor immediately. Dolutegravir may harm the fetus.
• tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking dolutegravir.
• you should know that while you are taking medications to treat HIV infection, your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight other infections that were already in your body. This may cause you to develop symptoms of those infections. If you have new or worsening symptoms after starting treatment with dolutegravir, be sure to tell your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?    TOP

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?    TOP

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is less than 4 hours before you are scheduled to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?    TOP

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?    TOP

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not remove the desiccant (small packet that contains a substance that absorbs moisture to keep the medication dry) from the bottle.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. Web Site

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( Web Site) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?    TOP

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at Web Site. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?    TOP

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to dolutegravir.

Keep a supply of dolutegravir on hand. Do not wait until you run out of medication to refill your prescription.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

AHFS^® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: November 15, 2018.