Health Library

Abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine (By mouth)

Abacavir (a-BAK-a-vir), Dolutegravir (doe-loo-TEG-ra-vir), Lamivudine (la-MIV-ue-deen)

Treats HIV infection. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Triumeq, Triumeq PD

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is low so you do not run out.
• Abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine combination contains a fixed amount of each medicine in the tablets and the tablets for suspension (oral liquid). Do not substitute these dosage forms for each other. Always check your medicine each time your prescription is filled to make sure you receive the correct dosage form.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew, cut, or crush it.
• Oral liquid:
  • Mix the tablet for suspension with 20 milliliters (mL) of drinking water (for 4, 5, or 6 tablets) or 15 mL (for 3 tablets) in the supplied cup. Use drinking water only. Do not mix this medicine with any other drink or food.
  • If your child cannot use the supplied cup, you may use an oral syringe to give the medicine.
  • Swirl the cup gently for 1 to 2 minutes to dissolve the tablet. The medicine will become cloudy. Swirl the cup again to make sure there are no lumps of the tablet remain.
  • Swallow the liquid within 30 minutes of mixing. If the medicine has not been taken after 30 minutes, wash away all the liquid in the cup with water and prepare a new dose.
  • You may add another 15 mL or less of drinking water to the cup to make sure your child gets the full dose.
  • Do not chew, cut, or crush the tablet for suspension.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use dofetilide while you are using this medicine.
• Some medicines can affect how abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Dalfampridine, etravirine, metformin, methadone, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, riociguat, sorbitol, St John's wort
• If you are taking this medicine together with carbamazepine, efavirenz, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, rifampin, tipranavir/ritonavir, you will need to take another dose of Tivicay® 12 hours after taking this medicine.
• Take this medicine at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take sucralfate, or an antacid, laxative, or other medicine that contains aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or iron.
• You may take supplements that contain calcium or iron (including multivitamins) together with this medicine if you take them with food.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Tell your doctor if you smoke.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood)
  • Liver problems
  • Increased risk of heart attack
• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
• It is important to practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. If you stop taking this medicine, or do not take it as prescribed, you may spread HIV to others. Do not reuse or share needles, or other items, that may have blood or body fluids on them.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, fainting
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast breathing, lightheadedness, severe weakness, tiredness, confusion
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, joint or muscle aches, severe tiredness, pain or swelling around your eye

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024