Dolutegravir is an antiretroviral indicated for the treatment of HIV infection, along with other antiretrovirals, as it works by blocking the virus’s integrase enzyme, preventing its replication.
This medicine is provided free of charge by the SUS in the form of tablets containing 50 mg of dolutegravir sodium, in addition to being associated with another antiretroviral, lamivudine, also in the form of tablets containing lamiduvin 300 mg + dolutegravir sodium 50 mg.
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Dolutegravir must be used with the advice of an infectious disease specialist, and it is important to follow the treatment correctly even if the viral load remains undetectable to prevent the virus from developing resistance to the treatment and multiplying again.
What is it for
Dolutegravir is indicated for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children at least 6 years of age and weighing more than 20 kg.
This medicine is generally used in combination with other antiretrovirals.
In the case of the dolutegravir + lamivudine tablet, treatment is indicated for HIV-1 infection in adults and children over 12 years of age and who weigh at least 40 kg.
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How it works
Dolutegravir works by blocking the replication cycle of the HIV-1 virus, by preventing the integrase enzyme, which reduces the amount of virus in the body.
As for dolutegravir + lamivudine, in addition to dolutegravir preventing the integrase enzyme, lamivudine prevents the reverse transcriptase enzyme, and in this way the two drugs together act at different stages of the HIV replication cycle, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.
It is important to highlight that Antiretrovirals help reduce viral load, but do not cure HIV infection.
How to drink
Dolutegravir should be taken orally, with a glass of water, with food or on an empty stomach.
1. Dolutegravir 50 mg
The dosage of dolutegravir 50 mg tablet is:
- Adults, without resistance to integrase inhibitors: 1 50 mg tablet, once a day;
- Adults, with resistance to integrase inhibitors: 1 tablet of 50 mg, twice a day;
- Adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who have never been treated with integrase inhibitors: 1 50 mg tablet, once a day;
- Children aged 6 to 12 years and weighing at least 20 kg: 1 50 mg tablet, once a day.
The dolutegravir tablet must be taken whole, without breaking or chewing, and it is important to carry out blood tests regularly to assess the viral load, as advised by the infectious disease specialist.
2. Dolutegravir + lamivudine
The dosage of dolutegravir 50 mg + lamivudine 300 mg tablet for adults and adolescents over 12 years old, weighing at least 40 kg is 1 tablet, once a day.
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What to do if you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose of dolutegravir or dolutegravir + lamivudine at the right time, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one, continuing the dose schedule recommended by your doctor as normal.
In this case, you should not take double the medication to make up for the missed dose.
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Possible side effects
The most common side effects of dolutegravir are headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach or abdomen, tiredness, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety or depression.
Dolutegravir can also increase the risk of infections as it weakens the immune system. Therefore, you should notify your doctor if symptoms arise, such as fever, night sweats, waterlogging, cough or diarrhea, for example.
Furthermore, this medicine can cause allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. Therefore, you should seek the nearest emergency room if you experience difficulty breathing, joint pain, a feeling of a closed throat, swelling or wounds in the mouth, tongue or face, peeling or blisters on the skin. Know how to identify the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Who shouldn’t use
Dolutegravir should not be used by pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy, as it can cause defects in the baby’s neural tube. Therefore, it is important to use an effective contraceptive method during treatment.
Furthermore, dolutegravir should not be used by people being treated with the drugs dofetilide, pilsicainide or fampridine.
Dolutegravir or dolutegravir + lamivudine should not be used by people who are allergic to these active substances or any of the components of the tablets.
Children under 6 years old should not use dolutegravir and children under 12 years old should not use dolutegravir + lamivudine.
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