Dolutegravir is one of the most commonly prescribed HIV drugs right now. It's an integrase inhibitor that helps stop the virus from inserting its genetic material into your cells. That makes it powerful at lowering viral load fast, and it's part of many single-tablet regimens that make taking meds simple.
Dolutegravir blocks the HIV integrase enzyme. Without integrase, HIV can't copy itself into your DNA, so the virus can't reproduce. Doctors use dolutegravir for both starting HIV treatment and switching regimens if resistance or side effects occur. You'll often see it branded as Tivicay or combined with other drugs (for example, Triumeq combines dolutegravir with abacavir and lamivudine).
Typical adult dose is 50 mg once daily for most people. If you're taking rifampin (an antibiotic used for TB), your doctor may increase dolutegravir to 50 mg twice daily because rifampin lowers dolutegravir levels.
Common side effects include headache, trouble sleeping, and sometimes nausea. Some people notice weight gain after starting dolutegravir; if that worries you, talk to your provider about diet and monitoring. Dolutegravir can raise serum creatinine slightly by blocking the OCT2 transporter — that doesn’t usually mean kidney damage, but your clinician will know to interpret labs correctly.
Drug interactions are important but fewer than with older HIV meds. Avoid taking dolutegravir at the same time as antacids or supplements that contain calcium, magnesium, iron, or aluminum. If you must take those, separate them by at least 2 hours (or take dolutegravir 2 hours before or 6 hours after some products). Dolutegravir can raise metformin levels — your doctor may lower your metformin dose and watch for side effects.
Pregnancy: earlier data raised concerns about a small increase in neural tube defects if conception happened on dolutegravir. Subsequent studies show the risk is low and WHO and many health bodies now support using dolutegravir in pregnancy because it controls HIV well. Still, discuss family planning and risks with your clinician before starting or if you become pregnant.
Resistance: dolutegravir has a high barrier to resistance, but poor adherence can still let HIV develop mutations. Take it daily and set reminders. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day; don’t double up the next dose without checking guidance from your clinic.
Before starting dolutegravir, expect baseline tests: viral load, CD4 count, kidney and liver labs, and screening for hepatitis B and pregnancy if applicable. Regular follow-up checks every few months help confirm the drug is working and spot issues early.
Dolutegravir is prescription-only. Buy from a trusted pharmacy and avoid unverified online sellers. If you have questions about side effects, interactions, or switching meds, ask your HIV provider — they can tailor choices to your health and lifestyle.
Dolutegravir is a widely used medication in the treatment of HIV, known for its effectiveness in suppressing the virus. However, discussions have emerged regarding its potential link to cancer risk. This article provides an in-depth exploration of dolutegravir's benefits and its association with cancer, aiming to clarify concerns for those managing HIV. It also offers practical tips for monitoring health while on this medication.