abacavir sulfate + dolutegravir sodium + lamivudine at a glance
Medicine class
An integrase inhibitor with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Main use
Treatment of HIV-1 infection.
Food
May be taken with or without food.
Essential safety test
HLA-B*5701 status must be checked before treatment because abacavir can cause serious hypersensitivity.
What is abacavir sulfate + dolutegravir sodium + lamivudine used for?
Licensed for treating HIV-1 infection. The appropriate formulation depends on age, weight and clinical circumstances.
Film-coated tablets are for adults, adolescents and children weighing at least 25 kg.
Dispersible tablets are for children aged at least 3 months who weigh from 6 kg to less than 25 kg.
It is not recommended where integrase-inhibitor resistance requires individual adjustment of dolutegravir.
How does abacavir sulfate + dolutegravir sodium + lamivudine work?
Dolutegravir blocks HIV integrase. Abacavir and lamivudine become active inside cells and interrupt reverse transcription, terminating new viral DNA chains. Together, they suppress HIV replication.
abacavir sulfate + dolutegravir sodium + lamivudine preparations and strengths
Dispersible tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg + 60 mg + 30 mg
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg + 600 mg + 300 mg
How to take abacavir sulfate + dolutegravir sodium + lamivudine
Follow the HIV team’s instructions. It may be taken with or without food.
Swallow film-coated tablets with liquid.
Fully disperse dispersible tablets in drinking water using the supplied cup. Do not chew, cut or crush them, and use the mixture within 30 minutes.
Film-coated and dispersible tablets are not directly interchangeable because dolutegravir exposure differs.
Ask a pharmacist about separating antacids or mineral supplements.
abacavir sulfate + dolutegravir sodium + lamivudine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Tiredness
- Dizziness or sleepiness
- Abdominal discomfort, vomiting or indigestion
- Rash or itching
- Muscle or joint pain
- Abnormal dreams, anxiety or depressed mood
- Increased weight or liver-enzyme results
Get urgent medical advice
- Hypersensitivity involving rash, fever or symptoms affecting several body systems
- Blistering, peeling or other severe skin reactions
- Hepatitis or acute liver failure
- Pancreatitis
- New or worsening suicidal thoughts
- Severe muscle pain or weakness with dark urine
abacavir sulfate + dolutegravir sodium + lamivudine in pregnancy
It can be used during pregnancy when clinically needed. Current evidence does not indicate that dolutegravir increases neural-tube defects, but evidence for the exact combination is more limited. Tell the HIV and maternity teams if pregnant or planning pregnancy, and do not stop treatment without specialist advice.
abacavir sulfate + dolutegravir sodium + lamivudine while breastfeeding
Product information recommends that women living with HIV do not breastfeed, and small amounts of the components can enter breast milk. Formula feeding is considered safest, although supported breastfeeding may sometimes be considered when treatment is effective and viral load is undetectable. Discuss feeding plans with the specialist HIV maternity team.
abacavir sulfate + dolutegravir sodium + lamivudine interactions
Give the HIV team or pharmacist a complete list of prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products.
Fampridine or dalfampridine
Contraindicated because dolutegravir may increase concentrations and seizure risk.
Magnesium- or aluminium-containing antacids
Can substantially reduce dolutegravir absorption and require separation.
Calcium, iron or magnesium supplements and multivitamins
May be taken together with this combination when taken with food; otherwise separation is required.
Common questions about abacavir sulfate + dolutegravir sodium + lamivudine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is this combination used for?
It is used to treat HIV-1 infection in people who meet the product’s clinical, age and weight requirements.
Does it cure HIV?
No. It suppresses HIV replication but does not eliminate the infection.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.