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Triumeq (Abacavir/Dolutegravir/Lamivudine) Uses, Side Effects and Dosages

Q: How does Triumeq work?

Triumeq contains dolutegravir, abacavir, and lamivudine. Dolutegravir belongs to the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) drug class. Abacavir, and lamivudine are both nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors. All three work by inhibition at different active sites. As a result, replication of HIV is blocked.

What is Triumeq (Abacavir/Dolutegravir/Lamivudine)?

Triumeq is a brand name medication containing three active ingredients: dolutegravir, abacavir, and lamivudine. This combination product is used for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and pediatric patients at least 40kg. The manufacturer of this product is ViiV Healthcare Company.

What is this medication used for?

This medication contains three active ingredients that work in concert to interfere with HIV’s ability to replicate itself. It is indicated for treatment for HIV-1 infection. HIV-1 is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Triumeq is a HIV-1 antiretroviral agent.

How does this drug work?

This combination product contains dolutegravir, abacavir, and lamivudine. Dolutegravir belongs to the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) drug class. Abacavir, and lamivudine are both nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors. All three work by inhibition at different active sites. As a result, replication of HIV is blocked.

How to take it

Triumeq can be taken with or without food. If a dose is missed, it should not be doubled. It is a fixed dose, film coated tablet that is taken once daily. The dose cannot be adjusted for those with hepatic impairment. If medicines containing aluminum, magnesium, or buffered medicines are taken, Triumeq should be taken at least two hours before or six hours after taking these medicines. If oral iron or calcium supplements are taken during this drug treatment, it may be taken with food. If food is not taken with Triumeq, the supplements should be taken two hours before or six hours after taking the supplements.

Triumeq side effects

Due to the combination of drugs within this product, the side effect profile will reflect the different drugs contained in Triumeq. There is a warning for this product of hypersensitivity reactions. Serious and fatal hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with abacavir-containing products. Another warning for this product is exacerbations of hepatitis B infections. Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have occurred for those co-infected with hepatitis B virus and HIV-1. The listed side effects are not all the possible side effects for Triumeq.

Common side effects

Trouble sleeping
Tiredness
Headache

Serious side effects

Liver problems
Lactic acidosis
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
Heart attack

Dosage

Triumeq is administered as a single tablet containing 50mg dolutegravir (as dolutegravir sodium), 600mg abacavir (as abacavir sulfate) and 300mg lamivudine. It is taken once a day with or without food.