Tivicay (Dolutegravir sodium) is a prescription medication used to control HIV infection. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that affects the body’s immune system and can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) without treatment. Tivicay decreases the amount of HIV in the body so the immune system can work better. This drug also reduces the chances of getting HIV complications like cancer and new infections to improve the quality of life. Tivicay also increases the CD4 cell count in the blood. CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection. The active ingredient in Tivicay is Dolutegavir sodium. Dolutegavir sodium belongs to a class of drugs called integrase inhibitors. It works by blocking retroviral integration, preventing the virus from growing and infecting more cells. Tivicay is used in combination with other anti-retroviral medicines. This drug is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Tivicay from Canada and the United Kingdom, manufactured by ViiV Healthcare in the strength of 50mg tablets. The generic Dolutegravir sodium is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Tivicay. The most common side effects of Tivicay may include the following:
• Depression;
• Dizziness;
• Enlarged thyroid;
• Flatulence;
• Headache;
• Itching;
• Tiredness;
• Weakness
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, including:
• Appetite loss;
• Dark urine;
• Fatigue;
• Mood changes;
• Muscle or joint aches;
• Skin rash;
• Swelling of face or mouth;
• Yellowing skin or eyes
These are not all of the side effects of Dolutegravir sodium. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Tivicay if you are allergic to Dolutegravir sodium or any ingredient in Tivicay. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Are taking another medicine called dofetilide;
• Have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Tivicay and other medicines, including metformin, antacids, calcium and iron supplements, rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and St. John’s wort. Tivicay is safe for use in adults and children over the age of 12. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with Tivicay. HIV may be passed to the fetus if it is not controlled during pregnancy. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Women with HIV should not breastfeed a baby. The virus may be passed to the baby through breast milk even if the baby is born without HIV. Take Tivicay precisely as prescribed by your doctor. You may take the drug with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet. You will need regular blood tests while taking Tivicay. Stay in regular contact with our doctor. Tivicay does not cure HIV. It would be best if you take it daily to stop your sickness from worsening. Don’t stop taking the drug without your doctor’s advice. Tivicay will not stop you from passing the infection to other people. Use a condom when you have oral or penetrative sex. Do not share sharp objects to prevent passing the infection to other people. Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms. Do not store Tivicay in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep your tablets in a cool and dry place below 300C.
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