Download Dolutegravir (Tivicay )

Dolutegravir (Tivicay®)
50 mg - Round, Yellow Tablet
What is dolutegravir?
What should I expect?
Dolutegravir is used with other medicines
to lower the amount of HIV virus in your
blood and make your immune system
stronger.
In most cases dolutegravir is tolerated very
well.
Some more common side effects include:
How do I take it?
• Take with or without food
• Take at the same time every day
• Do not take dolutegravir at the same
time as antacids, calcium, iron or
magnesium
What if I forget to take
dolutegravir?
It is very important to take dolutegravir
every day to make sure that it keeps
working. If you miss a dose, there is a
higher chance that the virus will change to
a form that is harder to treat. This is
called "resistance".
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you
remember unless you remember within 4
hours of your next dose. Do not take 2
doses at the same time. If you are not sure
if you should take your dose, call the
pharmacist.
If you stop taking dolutegravir the HIV
virus will begin to grow again in your
body.
Do not stop dolutegravir without talking
to your doctor.
• Trouble sleeping
• Nausea
• Headache
• Diarrhea
Less common side effects can include:
• Lack of energy
• Abnormal dreams
• Stomach pain
Dolutegravir may cause some rare, but
serious side effects like:
• Skin redness or rash
• Signs of liver problems:
o yellow eyes or skin
o pale stools
o dark urine
o itchy rash
o pain on your right side below the
ribs
• Mood changes, feeling sad or depressed
Contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you
have any serious side effects. Always tell
your doctor or pharmacist if side effects are
bothering you.
Can I take dolutegravir with
other medicines?
What if I want to get
pregnant?
Dolutegravir may interact with other
medicines. Drug interactions can stop your
treatment from working or may cause
unwanted side effects. Always tell your
pharmacist or doctor if you are using:
It is not yet known if dolutegravir is safe for
pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or
are thinking about becoming pregnant.
• Prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter medicines (such as
Tylenol®, Advil®, Vitamins)
• Herbal, natural or traditional medicines
• Recreational drugs
Some drugs that are known to interact with
dolutegravir:
Where do I keep
dolutegravir?
• Store your dolutegravir in a dry place at
room temperature
• Store all medicines away from children
• Certain heart medications
What if I have questions?
• Medicines to treat seizures
If you have questions or problems with
• St. John's Wort
your medicine, call the St. Paul’s Hospital
Ambulatory Pharmacy:
• Antacids, calcium, iron, aluminum and
magnesium products may be used but
must be taken at least 6 hours before or 2
hours after taking dolutegravir.
This is not a complete list of medicines that
interact with dolutegravir.
Always check with your pharmacist before
starting any new medicines to make sure
that they are safe for you.
April 2014
1-888-511-6222
To book an appointment to see a St. Paul’s
Hospital pharmacist:
604-806-8060
(Monday to Friday daytime)