Treatment FAQ

what labs should be checked before triumeg treatment

by Chet Zemlak Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Before you begin taking Triumeq, your doctor will have you get a blood test that checks for a gene mutation (change) called HLA*5701. People with this mutation are at higher risk of serious allergic reaction with Triumeq. If you have the HLA*5701 mutation, your doctor will likely not prescribe Triumeq.

Before you take TRIUMEQ, your doctor will give you a genetic screening test if you have not already had one. If you test positive for the HLA-B*5701 gene variation, you can't take TRIUMEQ. You have the HLA-B*5701 gene variation. This means you should not take medicines containing abacavir, including TRIUMEQ.

Full Answer

How should I take Triumeq?

Take TRIUMEQ exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. Do not change your dose or stop taking TRIUMEQ without talking with your healthcare provider. TRIUMEQ may be taken with or without food.

How do I report negative side effects of Triumeq?

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please read the Medication Guide for TRIUMEQ and discuss it with your healthcare provider. Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, for TRIUMEQ.

What happens if you take Glumetza with Triumeq?

If you’re taking metformin (Riomet, Glumetza, Glucophage), talk with your doctor before starting Triumeq treatment. Triumeq may cause an increased level of metformin in your body. This can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

Is Triumeq approved by the FDA?

Triumeq is a complete single-tablet regimen (STR) for the treatment of HIV. It was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014. How often is Triumeq taken? Triumeq is normally taken by mouth once a day, with no food or timing restrictions (i.e., it can be taken any time of day).

Which laboratory test should be performed prior to initiating antiviral therapy?

HLA-B*5701 testing should be performed before initiation of abacavir (ABC).

Does Triumeq cause elevated liver enzymes?

Dolutegravir, a component of Triumeq, has been reported to cause elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis, and acute liver failure, even in people without existing liver disease. Alcohol consumption can also lead to liver disease.

Can Triumeq cause kidney failure?

Triumeq can cause serious kidney problems. These may include decreased kidney function and kidney failure. A small percentage of people in clinical studies of Triumeq had side effects related to their kidneys.

Does Triumeq cause high cholesterol?

Cholesterol levels: This medication may cause an increase in the amount of cholesterol in the blood. If you have high cholesterol your doctor may want to monitor your cholesterol levels more closely while you are taking this medication.

Is Triumeq an immunosuppressant?

by Drugs.com No, Triumeq is not classified as an immunosuppressant. Triumeq is an antiviral medicine used to treat people living with HIV. An immunosuppressant medicine can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of infections or other illnesses.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Triumeq?

Notes for Consumers: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Drinking alcohol may alter the effects of your medication. Serious side effects may occur. Contact your care team if you experience new or worsening side effects.

Does Triumeq make you gain weight?

Weight gain wasn't a side effect that was reported during clinical trials of people taking Triumeq. However, weight gain was reported as a side effect in post-marketing studies of the drug. These are studies done after a drug has been approved and is available for use.

Does Triumeq cause joint pain?

Other symptoms may include joint or muscle pain, swelling of the neck or itchy skin. Occasionally inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis), ulcers in the mouth or low blood pressure may occur. The symptoms of this allergic reaction can occur at any time during treatment with TRIUMEQ tablets.

Does Triumeq cause insomnia?

With the DTG component of Triumeq, a few potential side effects should be noted. First, there have been reports of an increased likelihood of neuropsychiatric side effects, such as sleep disturbances or mood issues.

What to do if you miss a triumeq?

If you miss a dose of TRIUMEQ, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or take more than your healthcare provider tells you to take. Stay under the care of a healthcare provider during treatment with TRIUMEQ. Do not run out of TRIUMEQ.

How to store triumeq?

Store TRIUMEQ in the original bottle. Keep the bottle of TRIUMEQ tightly closed and protect it from moisture. The bottle of TRIUMEQ contains a desiccant packet to help keep your medicine dry (protect it from moisture).

What is triumeq used for?

What is TRIUMEQ? TRIUMEQ is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg). HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Is triumeq safe for children?

TRIUMEQ is not for use by itself in people who have or have had resistance to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine. It is not known if TRIUMEQ is safe and effective in children who weigh less than 88 pounds (40 kg).

Can you run out of triumeq?

Do not run out of TRIUMEQ. The virus in your blood may increase and the virus may become harder to treat. When your supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. If you take too much TRIUMEQ, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Can you give triumeq to other people?

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use TRIUMEQ for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give TRIUMEQ to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

How much does triumeq cost?

Triumeq contains 600 mg abacavir, 50 mg dolutegravir, and 300 mg lamivudine, with a cost approximated to be about $3,175 for a month’s supply. There is no generic version of Triumeq at this point, which can be a deterrent when considering it as an option for HIV treatment.

What is the third component of Triumeq?

The third component of Triumeq, DTG, is a member of the class of HIV medications called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) and has often been referred to as the “workhorse” of many HIV treatment combinations.

What is 3TC in triumeq?

About the 3TC (a.k.a. Lamivudine, Epivir) in Triumeq. 3TC is a medication that has been around a long time, incorporated into many different combination ARV regimens, including the older and largely obsolete combination tablets Combivir and Trizivir, as well the most recent STR, Dovato, approved by the FDA in 2019.

Is triumeq good for HIV?

Triumeq has become a primary option for HIV treatment since its approval in 2014 and has been shown to be a very durable option for HIV treatment. But there are both pluses and minuses to taking it. Pros: Powerful treatment for managing HIV. High genetic barrier for resistance.

Is Triumeq a STR?

Moreover, one of the benefits that many see in choosing Triumeq as the STR to treat HIV is that it doesn’t contain either of the tenofovir products on the market, TDF or TAF, which have the potential for kidney and bone-loss issues.

Does Triumeq cause weight gain?

Although data is still emerging, early reports suggest that patients are experiencing some weight gain when on DTG-inclusive regimens, including Triumeq, though not in excess of what folks are seeing while on other HIV regimens that include an INSTI-class medication.

Is 3TC a side effect?

The main concern for many with 3TC is not necessarily the potential side effects, but the potential for resistance to it with both HIV and hepatitis B. This is often a non-issue as long as it is combined with other powerful HIV medications, as with Triumeq and other regimens.

What is triumeq used for?

TRIUMEQ is a once-a-day pill used to treat HIV-1 that may help you reach and maintain an undetectable viral load. In some people, TRIUMEQ should not be used by itself. Take TRIUMEQ exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Undetectable means reducing the HIV in your blood to very low levels. Results may vary.

Can you drink alcohol while taking triumeq?

drink alcohol or take medicines that contain alcohol. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. One of the medicines in TRIUMEQ, called dolutegravir, may harm your unborn baby.

Can triumeq harm a baby?

are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. One of the medicines in TRIUMEQ, called dolutegravir, may harm your unborn baby. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different medicine than TRIUMEQ if you are planning to become pregnant or if pregnancy is confirmed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Can you take tricumeq again?

Taking TRIUMEQ again can cause a serious allergic or life-threatening reaction, even if you never had an allergic reaction to it before. If your healthcare provider tells you that you can take TRIUMEQ again, start taking it when you are around medical help or people who can call a healthcare provider if you need one.

Can you use triumeq by itself?

In some people, TRIUMEQ should not be used by itself. Take TRIUMEQ exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Undetectable means reducing the HIV in your blood to very low levels. Results may vary.

Does triumeq help with HIV?

Heart attack. Some HIV-1 medicines, including TRIUMEQ, may increase your risk of heart attack.

Is triumeq safe for children?

TRIUMEQ is not for use by itself in people who have or have had resistance to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine. It is not known if TRIUMEQ is safe and effective in children who weigh less than 88 pounds (40 kg). You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.

What to do if you are allergic to Triumeq?

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Triumeq, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

How does Triumeq work?

Together, these three drugs work to decrease the viral load of HIV in your body , which eases the effects of the virus. (The viral load is the level of HIV in your blood.) Triumeq comes as a tablet that you swallow. Each tablet contains: 600 milligrams (mg) of abacavir. 50 mg of dolutegravir. 300 mg of lamivudine.

How much does Triumeq weigh?

Triumeq is approved to treat HIV in children who weigh 88 pounds (40 kilograms) or more. The drug has been shown to be an effective medication for children within this weight range. One clinical trial looked at children ages 3 months to 17 years weighing at least 55 lb (25 kg).

Why is it important to dispose of triumeq?

If you no longer need to take Triumeq and have leftover medication , it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

What are the drugs in Triumeq?

Drug details. Triumeq is made up of three different drugs: abacavir,* dolutegravir,* and lamivudine*. Abacavir and lamivudine are both in a group of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Dolutegravir is in a group of medications called integrase inhibitors.

What is a boxed warning on Triumeq?

A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. The warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

How long does it take for Triumeq to go away?

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. * This is a partial list of mild side effects from Triumeq. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or see Triumeq’s Medication Guide.

How long after taking Triumeq can you take other medicine?

If you take any of the following medicines, take your Triumeq dose 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take the other medicine. antacids or laxatives that contain aluminum or magnesium (Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, and others); the ulcer medicine sucralfate ( Carafate );

What is triumeq used for?

Triumeq is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV ), the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

What are the side effects of Triumeq?

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction from two or more of these specific side effect groups: Group 1 - fever; Group 2 - rash; Group 3 - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain; Group 4 - general ill feeling, extreme tiredness, body aches; Group 5 - shortness of breath, cough, sore throat.

How does tricumeq work?

Triumeq works quickly to suppress the HIV-1 virus and some people have reported an undetectable viral load within a month of starting Triumeq (this corresponds to an HIV‑1 RNA level of fewer than 50 copies/mL); however, results can vary among individuals.

Can you use Triumeq if you are allergic to abacavir?

You should not use Triumeq if you are allergic to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine, or if: you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701 allele (your doctor will test you for this); or. you have a history of allergic reaction to Combivir, Dutrebis, Epivir, Epzicom, Tivicay, Trizivir, or Ziagen.

Can you take Triumeq if you have a liver disease?

You should not take Triumeq if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine that contains abacavir, or if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701 allele. Also, you should not use this medicine if you have moderate or severe liver disease, or if you are also taking dofetilide ( Tikosyn ).

Is Triumeq a one tablet a day?

Both Triumeq and Genvoya are combination one-tablet-a-day medicine s that are considered first-line treatments for HIV-1 by the HHS guidelines. Because Triumeq does not contain cobicistat, an antiviral booster, it is less likely to interact with other medications and may have fewer side effects than Genvoya.

When to take triumeq?

Under fasting conditions, TRIUMEQ should be taken 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking supplements containing calcium or iron. Metformin. Refer to the prescribing information for metformin for assessing the benefit and risk of concomitant use of TRIUMEQ and metformin. Etravirine.

How long after taking triumeq should I fast?

Under fasting conditions, TRIUMEQ should be taken 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking supplements containing calcium or iron.

How long after taking antacids should I take triumeq?

Administer TRIUMEQ 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking antacids, poyvalent cation-containing products or laxatives, sucralfate, oral supplements/multivitamins containing iron or calcium, or buffered medications. Alternatively, TRIUMEQ and supplements containing calcium or iron can be taken with food.

Why avoid coadministration with triumeq?

Avoid coadministration with TRIUMEQ because there are insufficient data to make dosing recommendations. Sorbitol. Coadministration of single doses of lamivudine and sorbitol resulted in a sorbitol dose-dependent reduction in lamivudine exposures.

Can you take TriumEQ with abacavir?

TRIUMEQ is a fixed-dose regimen and should not be administered concomitantly with other products contain ing abacavir or lamivudine.

When was the panel on antiretroviral guidelines for adults and adolescents updated?

Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents with HIV. Department of Health and Human Services. Updated December 18, 2019. Accessed January 7, 2020. https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/sites/default/files/guidelines/documents/AdultandAdolescentGL.pdf

Does TriumEQ have any clinically relevant effects?

TRIUMEQ has no clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of the following agents based on known metabolic pathways and/or available drug interaction studies 1,2.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Triumeq can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Triumeq’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Triumeq can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Triumeq, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Is Triumeq similar to Dovato, Genvoya, Odefsey, Complera, Tivicay, or Juluca?

Triumeq, Dovato, Genvoya, Odefsey, Complera, Tivicay, and Juluca are all prescription drugs used to treat HIV. Each contains a different active drug or combination of active drugs. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.)

Will Triumeq cause hair loss or weight gain?

It’s not known whether hair loss or weight gain are side effects of Triumeq.

Is Triumeq used for PrEP or ALS treatment?

No, Triumeq isn’t currently approved for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Does Triumeq cause pancreatitis or erectile dysfunction?

It’s not known whether Triumeq causes pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas). Pancreatitis wasn’t reported in studies of Triumeq. But there have been reports of pancreatitis in people taking Triumeq since the drug was approved for use.

Are there interactions with Triumeq and any foods, such as grapefruit?

No, Triumeq isn’t known to interact with any foods, including grapefruit. Some medications can interact with grapefruit, but Triumeq isn’t one of them.

What to check before infusion?

If you are going to have any operations or dental treatments. Just before each infusion your blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature will be checked.

Can you take infliximab if you have TB?

You should not be given infliximab if you have active TB, and if you have underlying inactive TB, this will need to be treated before starting infliximab. Most doctors now use a blood test to check for underlying or inactive TB, but you may be given a chest X-ray as well.

What is the TSH test for Hashimoto's?

TSH – This is a pituitary hormone that responds to low/high amounts of circulating thyroid hormone. In advanced cases of Hashimoto’s and primary hypothyroidism, this lab test will be elevated, (read a post about interpreting this thyroid TSH test ). In the case of Graves’ disease, the TSH will be low.

How long does it take for T4 to clear?

T4 has a five to nine-day long half-life, which means that once you have become stable on it, it will take as many as nine days for 50% of the dose to clear the body. T4 has a slow and steady release and won’t produce many peaks or valleys that can make a person feel like they are on a thyroid roller coaster.

What happens if you take T3 and T4?

When you take your thyroid medication on the morning of your thyroid blood work and you are taking T3 medication, or a combination of T3/T4, T3 has a shorter half-life so your blood work may not be reflected accurately. It will appear that you have more thyroid hormone on board than you do.

How long does TSH stay low after taking T3?

When scientists monitored the levels of TSH, free T3, and free T4 in people with hypothyroidism who were taking combination thyroid medications over a 24 hour period, they found that TSH levels may be falsely suppressed for 5 hours after taking a T3 containing medication.

What is the best TSH for thyroid?

Most people feel best with a TSH around 1 or lower and with a Free T4 and Free T3 in the upper half of the range.

Does timing of T3 test matter?

If you’re taking a combination medication that contains T3, like Armour, Nature-Throid, WP Thyroid, compounded T4/T3, or the medication Cytomel (liothyronine), the timing of your tests does matter and may make a huge difference in getting you on an appropriate medication dose.

Can you take T3 in the morning?

Because that could be different person to person. Some may take meds once in the morning and some may take meds several times throughout the day. Someone who takes meds throughout the day will have t3 in their system closer to the next morning lab draw than the person who took a single dose the morning before.

How It Works

  1. Triumeq is a fixed-dose combination tablet that contains three antivirals: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine, which may be used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection i...
  2. Each component of Triumeq works differently. Abacavir is converted by enzymes inside the c…
  1. Triumeq is a fixed-dose combination tablet that contains three antivirals: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine, which may be used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection i...
  2. Each component of Triumeq works differently. Abacavir is converted by enzymes inside the cell to an active metabolite called carbovir triphosphate (CBV-TP). CBV-TP inhibits the activity of an enzym...
  3. Dolutegravir inhibits HIV integrase (an enzyme that integrates its genetic information into that of the host cell it infects) by binding to the integrase active site and blocking the strand transfe...
  4. Lamivudine is converted inside the cells to its active metabolite lamivudine triphosphate (3TC-TP). 3TC-TP inhibits RT via DNA chain termination. Lamivudine also belongs to the class of medicines k...

Upsides

  1. May be used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children who weigh at least 10 kg (22 pounds).
  2. The only combination tablet with an abacavir/lamivudine nucleoside backbone.
  3. Usually well-tolerated. Fewer side effects and drug interactions have been reported with Triumeq compared with some other antiviral combinations, such as Genvoya because Trium…
  1. May be used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children who weigh at least 10 kg (22 pounds).
  2. The only combination tablet with an abacavir/lamivudine nucleoside backbone.
  3. Usually well-tolerated. Fewer side effects and drug interactions have been reported with Triumeq compared with some other antiviral combinations, such as Genvoya because Triumeq doesn't contain a b...
  4. May be taken with or without food.

Bottom Line

  • Triumeq is a fixed-dose combination tablet that contains three antivirals: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine, which may be used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children weighing at least 10 kg (22 pounds). It is taken as a single tablet once a day and is usually well-tolerated, with side effects such as fatigue, headache, and nausea reported by less than 3% of people who tak…
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Tips

  1. Best taken at the same time each day, either in the morning or at night. Can be taken with or without food.
  2. Read the medication guide and warning card that is dispensed with every new prescription and refill of Triumeq. Always carry the warning card with you.
  3. if you miss a dose of Triumeq, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your n…
  1. Best taken at the same time each day, either in the morning or at night. Can be taken with or without food.
  2. Read the medication guide and warning card that is dispensed with every new prescription and refill of Triumeq. Always carry the warning card with you.
  3. if you miss a dose of Triumeq, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose or double up on the dosage, just go back to your usual dosing sc...
  4. Triumeq can interact with some other medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications with Triumeq, including supplements and herbals brought from a supermarket or d...

Response and Effectiveness

  1. Considered equally as effective as other combination antivirals, such as Genvoya.
  2. Usually well-tolerated. The most common side effects (difficulty sleeping, headache, or tiredness) have been reported in less than 3% of people; although in some they can persist long term (more th...
  3. Works quickly to suppress the HIV-1 virus and some show an undetectable viral load within …
  1. Considered equally as effective as other combination antivirals, such as Genvoya.
  2. Usually well-tolerated. The most common side effects (difficulty sleeping, headache, or tiredness) have been reported in less than 3% of people; although in some they can persist long term (more th...
  3. Works quickly to suppress the HIV-1 virus and some show an undetectable viral load within a month of starting Triumeq (corresponds to an HIV‑1 RNA level of fewer than 50 copies/mL). However, result...

Interactions

  • Medicines that interact with Triumeq may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Triumeq. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
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References

  • Triumeq (abacavir sulfate, dolutegravir sodium, lamivudine). Updated 03/2022. ViiV Healthcare Company https://www.drugs.com/pro/triumeq.html
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Further Information

  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Triumeq only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: May 2, 2022. Medical Disclaimer
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