Abacavir / dolutegravir / lamivudine (Triumeq®)

What is Triumeq®?

Triumeq® is a tablet that contains 3 medicines used to treat infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The 3 medications are called abacavir (Ziagen®), dolutegravir (Tivicay®), and lamivudine (Epivir® or 3TC®). Two of these medicines (abacavir and lamivudine) belong to a group called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). The other medicine (dolutegravir) belongs to a group called integrase inhibitors. Triumeq® can slow down how soon you will see symptoms of HIV or slow the damage caused by HIV, but it cannot cure HIV infection. Triumeq® tablets contain 600 mg of abacavir, 50 mg of dolutegravir, and 300 mg of lamivudine.

How to take Triumeq®

• This tablet is usually taken one (1) time daily.
• Triumeq® can be taken with or without food. Taking this medicine right after you have eaten a meal may help prevent upset stomach.
• Certain medicines, like multivitamins and antacids, need to be taken at different times than Triumeq®. If you take them too close together, they can cause Triumeq® to not work as well. Take Triumeq® either two (2) hours before or six (6) hours after you take your multivitamin, antacids, or other products containing magnesium, aluminum, iron, or calcium..
• If you are taking another medicine, such as efavirenz (Sustiva®), fosamprenavir (Lexiva®), ritonavir (Norvir®), tipranavir (Aptivus®), or rifampin (Rifadin®), you may need to take that medicine 12 hours after your Triumeq® dose. Tell your doctor right away if you are taking any of these medicines.

Laboratory testing

A genetic test called HLA-B can be performed to find out if you might develop an allergic reaction to abacavir. If the test result is negative, your doctor may prescribe this medicine to you. If the test is positive, your doctor will consider using another medicine to treat your HIV. To learn more about HLA-B*5701 and abacavir hypersensitivity, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Certain blood tests can look at your liver and how well it is working by measuring certain chemicals in your blood. Your doctor may want to periodically monitor these chemicals to make sure your liver is healthy because this medicine can affect your liver. If you have Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, you might be at higher risk for negative side effects or need more tests or medicines. Tell your doctor if you know or think you might have either of these conditions.

Possible side effects of Triumeq®

• Higher than normal liver function tests
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling more tired than normal
• Headache
• Nausea

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 901-595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll- free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

• During the first few weeks of therapy, some people taking Triumeq® develop a skin rash and 2 or more of the following symptoms:
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach Pain
• Severe tired feeling, achiness, or other “flu-like” symptoms
• Sore throat, shortness of breath, or cough

If you develop a rash during the first few weeks of therapy and you have 2 or more of these symptoms, or if you have severe dizziness, chest pain, or dark urine, stop taking Triumeq® right away, and call your St. Jude doctor or nurse. You should not take Triumeq® again unless the doctor tells you to do so.

Special instructions for Triumeq®

• Triumeq® tablets should be stored at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.
• Some side effects, such as high liver tests or low blood counts, can be found with blood tests. So, it is important that you come to clinic at regularly planned times and have blood tests done.