Dolutegravir + Rilpivirine
Find more information about this combination medication at the webpages for rilpivirine and dolutegravir
HIV Infections
.svg)
Advisory
- This medicine contains a combination of 2 drugs dolutegravir and rilpivirine.
- dolutegravir and rilpivirine are both used to treat the same disease or symptom but work in different ways in the body.
- Most doctors will advise making sure that each individual medicine is safe and effective before using a combination form.
Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
None
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
dolutegravir + rilpivirine
Summary
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine are used together to treat HIV, which is the virus that causes AIDS. They help control the virus in people who have already achieved viral suppression with other treatments. This combination is effective in maintaining low levels of the virus in the blood, which helps prevent the progression of HIV and supports a healthy immune system.
Dolutegravir is an integrase inhibitor, which means it blocks the virus from inserting its genetic material into human DNA, stopping it from replicating. Rilpivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, which means it stops the virus from making copies of itself by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. Together, they reduce the viral load and help maintain a healthy immune system.
The usual adult daily dose for dolutegravir is 50 mg, taken once a day. For rilpivirine, the typical dose is 25 mg, also taken once a day. These doses are often combined into a single tablet for convenience. It's important to take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.
Common side effects of dolutegravir and rilpivirine include headache, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Dolutegravir may cause weight gain and changes in liver enzymes, which are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in the body. Rilpivirine can cause depression and mood changes. Both medicines can lead to serious allergic reactions, which are rare but require immediate medical attention.
Dolutegravir may increase the risk of neural tube defects if taken during early pregnancy. Rilpivirine should not be used with certain medications like proton pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid. Both medicines can cause liver problems, so people with liver disease should use them cautiously. Allergic reactions are possible, and symptoms like rash or difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention.
Indications and Purpose
How does combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine work?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine work together to control HIV in the body. Dolutegravir is an integrase inhibitor, which means it blocks the virus from inserting its genetic material into human DNA, stopping it from replicating. Rilpivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, which means it stops the virus from making copies of itself by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. Both medicines work to reduce the viral load, which is the amount of virus in the blood, and help maintain a healthy immune system by preventing the virus from multiplying.
How does combination of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine work?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine work together to suppress HIV-1 in the body. Dolutegravir is an integrase inhibitor that prevents the integration of viral DNA into the host cell's genome, a crucial step in the HIV replication cycle. Rilpivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that blocks the reverse transcription of viral RNA into DNA, another essential step in viral replication. By targeting different stages of the HIV life cycle, these medications reduce the amount of virus in the blood, helping to maintain a suppressed viral load and prevent disease progression.
How effective is combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine?
Clinical trials have shown that the combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine effectively reduces the viral load in people with HIV. Dolutegravir has been proven to be effective in preventing the integration of viral DNA into human DNA, which is crucial for the virus's replication. Rilpivirine has been shown to effectively inhibit the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is necessary for the virus to make copies of itself. Together, these medicines have demonstrated a significant reduction in viral load and an improvement in CD4 cell counts, which are indicators of a healthy immune system. The combination is effective in maintaining viral suppression in people who have already achieved it with other treatments.
How effective is combination of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine?
The effectiveness of dolutegravir and rilpivirine is supported by clinical trials, such as the SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 studies, which demonstrated that the combination maintains viral suppression in patients who switch from a stable antiretroviral regimen. In these trials, a high percentage of patients maintained a viral load of less than 50 copies/mL after switching to dolutegravir and rilpivirine. Dolutegravir's role as an integrase inhibitor and rilpivirine's function as a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor provide a dual mechanism of action that effectively suppresses HIV replication, supporting their use in maintaining long-term viral suppression.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine?
The usual adult daily dose for dolutegravir is 50 mg, taken once a day. For rilpivirine, the typical dose is 25 mg, also taken once a day. These doses are often combined into a single tablet for convenience. It's important to take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body. Both medicines should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider, and doses should not be missed to ensure the best possible control of HIV. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
What is the usual dose of combination of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine?
The usual adult daily dose for the combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine is one tablet taken orally once a day with a meal. Each tablet contains 50 mg of dolutegravir and 25 mg of rilpivirine. Dolutegravir is an HIV integrase inhibitor, while rilpivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Both medications work together to maintain a suppressed viral load in individuals with HIV-1. It is important to take the medication at the same time each day to ensure consistent levels in the body and to maintain its effectiveness.
How does one take combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine should be taken with food to enhance absorption and effectiveness. It's important to take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body. Avoid taking these medicines with antacids or supplements containing calcium or iron, as they can interfere with absorption. If you need to take these supplements, do so at least two hours before or six hours after taking the medicine. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding food and medication timing.
How does one take combination of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine should be taken once daily with a meal to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness. It is important to take the medication at the same time each day. Patients should avoid taking antacids, calcium, magnesium, or iron supplements within 4 hours before or 6 hours after taking the medication, as these can interfere with absorption. Additionally, patients should consult their healthcare provider about consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it may affect the medication's effectiveness.
For how long is combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine taken?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine are typically used as a long-term treatment for HIV. The duration of use depends on the individual's response to the medication and their overall health. These medicines are usually taken continuously to maintain viral suppression and prevent the progression of HIV. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is necessary to ensure the treatment remains effective and to make any necessary adjustments. It's important to adhere to the prescribed treatment plan to achieve the best outcomes.
For how long is combination of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine taken?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine are typically used as a long-term treatment for HIV-1 infection in adults who have achieved and maintained a suppressed viral load. The duration of use is indefinite, as the medication is intended to be taken continuously to maintain viral suppression and prevent the progression of the disease. Patients should continue taking the medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider, even if they feel well, to ensure ongoing effectiveness and to prevent the development of resistance.
How long does it take for combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine to work?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine, when used together, typically start working within a few hours to begin reducing the amount of HIV in the body. Dolutegravir, which is an integrase inhibitor, works by blocking the virus from integrating its genetic material into human cells. Rilpivirine, which is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, stops the virus from making copies of itself. Both medicines work together to lower the viral load, which is the amount of virus in the blood, and help improve the immune system's function.
How long does it take for combination of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine to work?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine work together to maintain a suppressed viral load in individuals with HIV-1. While the exact time it takes for the combination to start working can vary, both medications are designed to maintain viral suppression in patients who have already achieved this state with other antiretroviral therapies. Dolutegravir, an integrase inhibitor, and rilpivirine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, both work by reducing the amount of HIV in the blood. The effectiveness of the combination is typically assessed by monitoring the viral load, which should remain below 50 copies/mL. Patients should continue taking the medication as prescribed to maintain its effectiveness.
Warnings and Precautions
Are there harms and risks from taking combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine?
Common side effects of dolutegravir and rilpivirine include headache, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Dolutegravir may cause more specific side effects like weight gain and changes in liver enzymes, which are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in the body. Rilpivirine can cause depression and mood changes. Both medicines can lead to serious allergic reactions, which are rare but require immediate medical attention. It's important to monitor for any unusual symptoms and report them to a healthcare provider. Both medicines share the potential for causing liver problems, so regular liver function tests are recommended.
Are there harms and risks from taking combination of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine?
Common side effects of dolutegravir and rilpivirine include diarrhea and headache. Significant adverse effects can include severe skin reactions, liver problems, and depressive disorders. Patients may experience symptoms such as fever, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes, which require immediate medical attention. Both medications can cause hypersensitivity reactions, and rilpivirine has been associated with depressive symptoms. It is important for patients to report any severe or persistent side effects to their healthcare provider.
Can I take combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine with other prescription drugs?
Dolutegravir can interact with certain prescription drugs like metformin, which is used to treat diabetes, potentially increasing its levels in the blood. Rilpivirine should not be used with drugs like rifampin, which is used to treat tuberculosis, as it can reduce rilpivirine's effectiveness. Both medicines can interact with anticonvulsants, which are used to treat seizures, affecting their levels in the body. It's important to inform healthcare providers of all prescription medications being taken to manage these interactions effectively. Regular monitoring and possible dose adjustments may be necessary to ensure the medicines work properly.
Can I take combination of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine with other prescription drugs?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine have significant interactions with several prescription drugs. They should not be taken with dofetilide, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, rifapentine, and proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, as these can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment or increase the risk of adverse effects. Additionally, St. John's wort, a common herbal supplement, should be avoided. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Can I take combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine if I am pregnant?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine have been studied for use during pregnancy. Dolutegravir is generally considered safe, but there is a small risk of neural tube defects, which are birth defects of the brain and spine, if taken during the first trimester. Rilpivirine is also considered safe, but its effectiveness may be reduced due to changes in the body during pregnancy. Both medicines are used to maintain viral suppression in pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Healthcare providers will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing these medicines during pregnancy, and regular monitoring is essential to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
Can I take combination of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine if I am pregnant?
The safety of dolutegravir and rilpivirine during pregnancy is supported by data from birth outcome surveillance studies, which show no significant increase in the risk of birth defects compared to other antiretroviral regimens. However, dolutegravir has been associated with a potential risk of neural tube defects when taken at conception. Pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider. There is a pregnancy registry to monitor outcomes in those exposed to these medications during pregnancy, and healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients.
Can I take combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine while breastfeeding?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine can pass into breast milk, but the amount is generally low. Dolutegravir is considered safe during breastfeeding, as the benefits of preventing HIV transmission outweigh the risks. Rilpivirine is also considered safe, but its effects on a breastfeeding infant are not fully known. In regions where safe alternatives to breastfeeding are available, mothers with HIV are often advised not to breastfeed to prevent transmission. However, in areas where formula feeding is not safe, the benefits of breastfeeding while on these medications may outweigh the risks. It's important for mothers to discuss breastfeeding options with their healthcare provider.
Can I take combination of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine while breastfeeding?
Dolutegravir is present in human milk, and rilpivirine has been found in the milk of lactating rats, suggesting it may also be present in human milk. The potential risks of breastfeeding while on these medications include the transmission of HIV-1 to the infant, the development of viral resistance, and adverse reactions in the infant. Therefore, breastfeeding is generally not recommended for mothers taking dolutegravir and rilpivirine. Mothers should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
Who should avoid taking combination of dolutegravir and rilpivirine?
Dolutegravir and rilpivirine have important warnings and contraindications. Dolutegravir may increase the risk of neural tube defects if taken during early pregnancy. Rilpivirine should not be used with certain medications like proton pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid. Both medicines can cause liver problems, so people with liver disease should use them cautiously. Allergic reactions are possible, and symptoms like rash or difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention. It's crucial to inform healthcare providers of any other medical conditions or medications being taken to avoid harmful interactions and ensure safe use of these medicines.
Who should avoid taking combination of Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine?
Important warnings for dolutegravir and rilpivirine include the risk of severe skin reactions, liver problems, and depressive disorders. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to either medication should not use this combination. It is contraindicated with certain medications like dofetilide and proton pump inhibitors due to potential interactions. Patients should be monitored for signs of liver dysfunction and depressive symptoms. It is crucial to inform healthcare providers of all medications and supplements being taken to avoid adverse interactions.
