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Dolutegravir-Lamivudine

Pronounced

"DOE-loo-TEG-ra-vir/la-MIV-ue-deen"

Common brand names:

Dovato

Uses

This product contains 2 drugs: dolutegravir and lamivudine. It is used to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Lamivudine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Dolutegravir belongs to a class of drugs known as integrase inhibitors.

This medication is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are taking certain other medications, your doctor may direct you to take additional dolutegravir. Carefully follow your doctor's directions.

Take this medication at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking sucralfate and products containing aluminum or magnesium (such as antacids, laxatives, buffered medications). These products bind with dolutegravir, decreasing its effectiveness.

If you are also taking calcium or iron supplements (including vitamins/minerals that contain calcium or iron), take this medication at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after these products. Or if you take this medication with food, you can take the supplements at the same time.

It is very important to keep taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses.

For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day.

Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.