Drug Notes - Dolutegravir/rilpivirine (By mouth)

Dolutegravir/rilpivirine (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dolutegravir or rilpivirine.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
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.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
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. Store the medicine in its original bottle. Keep it tightly closed.

Do not use this medicine if you are also taking dexamethasone, dofetilide, St John's wort, seizure medicine (including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), medicine to treat tuberculosis (including rifampin, rifapentine), or stomach medicine (including esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole).
Some medicines can affect how dolutegravir/rilpivirine works. Tell your doctor if you are using dalfampridine, metformin, methadone, rifabutin, or medicine to treat an infection (including clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin).
Take this medicine at least 4 hours before or 6 hours after you take antacids, laxatives, or other medicine that contains aluminum, calcium carbonate, magnesium, or buffered medicines.
Take this medicine at least 4 hours before or 12 hours after you take stomach medicine for heartburn or ulcers (including cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine).
You may take iron or calcium supplements at the same time that you take this medicine with food. If you do not take these supplements together with this medicine and with food, take this medicine at least 4 hours before or 6 hours after you take these supplements.

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 liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), kidney disease, depression, or a history of mental problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can damage organs, including the liver, kidney, or heart
- Liver problems
- Depression, unusual thoughts or behavior
Always 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.

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
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Feeling sad or depressed, anxious, or restless, unusual thoughts or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others
Fever, skin rash, or swollen glands in your armpits, neck, or groin

Last Updated: 9/6/2024