Abacavir/Dolutegravir/Lamivudine (Triumeq)

600mg/50mg/300mg Tablet

How does this medication work?

• Abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine (Triumeq)  has three medications in one pill that work together to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from replicating (or making more virus) in your body
• Triumeq does not cure HIV but will control the virus and prevent problems as long as it is taken every day.

How do I take this medication?

• Take 1 tablet by mouth once daily
• Does not matter what time of day it is taken but needs to be the same time every day
• Can be taken with or without food
• Very important to not miss any doses, missed doses can cause Triumeq to stop working

Can I take Triumeq with my other mediations?

• Most of the time, yes, but always check with the clinic pharmacist first
• Always bring a list of medications with you to all appointments
• Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new medication (including over-the-counter and herbal medicines)
• Calcium (including multivitamins), iron, magnesium, zinc, antacids (Tums):  take 6 hours before Triumeq or 2 hours after Triumeq OR can take at the same time if taking with a meal

What are the side effects of this medication?

• Reactions that usually go away or can be treated:
  • Upset stomach, diarrhea – try taking medicine with more food or at bedtime
• Rare but potentially serious side effects:
  • Hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction – patients who are positive for the HLA-B*5701 gene should not take Triumeq, you have been screened for this and are negative.  It is less likely for this reaction to occur but still possible
  • Signs of allergic reaction: rash, fever, muscle/joint aches, blistering or peeling of skin, mouth blisters, swelling of face, difficulty breathing
  • Liver problems, kidney problems, decreased bone mineral density
  • Lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in your blood)
• If you have hepatitis B, this medication can help to control this virus, but if you stop it suddenly your hepatitis B can get worse and cause serious liver problems

What to do if I forget a dose?

• If you realize you forgot a dose the same day: take it as soon as you remember then continue with your regular schedule
• If you realize you forgot a dose the next day: skip the dose and continue with your regular schedule
• Do not ever take two tablets at the same time

Storage?

• Store Triumeq in a dry place at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F or 15°C and 30°C)
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• There is not enough information to determine the safety of Triumeq during pregnancy; 
• If you think you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant notify the clinic immediately; do not stop your medication
• HIV infected mothers are recommended to not breastfeed due to the risk of the baby getting HIV from the breast milk