What is Tivicay? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Tivicay

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• If you cannot swallow the tablet for suspension whole: You may mix it in 5 milliliters (mL) of water (for 1 or 3 tablets for suspension) or 10 mL of water (for 4, 5, or 6 tablets for suspension) in the medicine cup.Use drinking water only to prepare the dose. Do not use any other drink or food.Swirl the cup gently for 1 to 2 minutes or until no lumps of tablet remain. Drink the oral liquid at least 30 minutes after mixing.You may add another 5 mL of water to the cup and drink it to make sure you get the full dose.

• Use the supplied medicine cup to prepare and give the oral liquid to children. Use the oral syringe to give this medicine to infants.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is low so you do not run out.

• This medicine is available in tablet or tablet for suspension forms. Do not switch medicines unless your doctor tells you to.

• Swallow the tablet or tablet for suspension whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you need more than one dose of this medicine, swallow one medicine at a time to prevent the risk of choking.

• Use the supplied medicine cup to prepare and give the oral liquid to children. Use the oral syringe to give this medicine to infants.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• If you cannot swallow the tablet for suspension whole: You may mix it in 5 milliliters (mL) of water (for 1 or 3 tablets for suspension) or 10 mL of water (for 4, 5, or 6 tablets for suspension) in the medicine cup.Use drinking water only to prepare the dose. Do not use any other drink or food.Swirl the cup gently for 1 to 2 minutes or until no lumps of tablet remain. Drink the oral liquid at least 30 minutes after mixing.You may add another 5 mL of water to the cup and drink it to make sure you get the full dose.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is low so you do not run out.

• This medicine is available in tablet or tablet for suspension forms. Do not switch medicines unless your doctor tells you to.

• Swallow the tablet or tablet for suspension whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you need more than one dose of this medicine, swallow one medicine at a time to prevent the risk of choking.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tivicay

Tivicay contraindications - Who shouldn't take Tivicay?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dolutegravir.

Tivicay warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Serious skin reactionsLiver problems

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), or other types of infection.

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you are a woman who can bear children, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before you start using this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Do not use this medicine during the first part of your pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant.

Tivicay interactions & what to avoid when taking Tivicay

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Do not use dofetilide together with this medicine.

• Some medicines can affect how dolutegravir works. Tell your doctor if you are also using carbamazepine, dalfampridine, efavirenz, etravirine, fosamprenavir, metformin, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, St John's wort, or tipranavir.

• Take dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take sucralfate, an antacid, or laxative that contains aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, or a buffered medicine. You may take calcium or iron supplements together with this medicine if you take them with food. If not, take dolutegravir 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these supplements.

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. Sometimes the immune system will start to fight infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.