Key facts about Tivicay
What is Tivicay?
Tivicay is the brand name for dolutegravir and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Tivicay available in?
Tivicay is available as a 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg oral tablet.
What is Tivicay used for?
Tivicay is an antiretroviral (ARV) used for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in people aged 4 weeks and older.
How does Tivicay work?
Tivicay is an HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI). Integrase is an enzyme that HIV uses to insert its genetic information into your cells. Once inserted, HIV uses your cells to make more copies of itself. Tivicay works by blocking integrase, which then helps prevent HIV from spreading.
How do I take Tivicay?
Tivicay is typically dosed as follows:
- Adults: The typical dose is 50 mg by mouth once or twice daily.
- Children 4 weeks and older who weigh at least 30 pounds: The dose will depend on your child’s body weight. The typical dose is 40 mg or 50 mg by mouth once daily.
Is it safe for me to take Tivicay?
Tivicay is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
- Previous hypersensitivity reaction to dolutegravir
- Coadministration with dofetilide
Tivicay Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Tivicay:
- Higher lipase levels
- Higher blood sugar levels
- Higher creatine kinase levels
- Abnormal liver labs
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Fatigue
Tivicay Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Tivicay. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe allergic reactions: fever, rash, extreme tiredness, body aches, mouth sores, blisters, trouble breathing
- Serious liver problems: nausea, vomiting, not feeling hungry, pain in the right side of the stomach, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool
- Immune reconstitution syndrome: fever, pain, hair loss, bulging eyes, or sweating
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Tivicay
The following medications may interact with Tivicay:
- Drugs that are metabolic inducers
- Cation-containing antacids or laxatives, sucralfate, oral supplements containing iron or calcium, or buffered medications
Who makes Tivicay?
ViiV Healthcare
Is Tivicay safe in pregnancy?
Tivicay can raise the risk for neural tube defects in babies when it’s taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. But, it might be possible to take the medication during your second and third trimesters of pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, let your doctor know immediately. They might consider other HIV treatment options for you. If you’re pregnant and you’re taking Tivicay, you’re encouraged to enroll in the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR).
