Answers to common questions about TIVICAY
-
Q How do I take TIVICAY?
Your prescriber or pharmacist will tell you everything you need to know about taking TIVICAY. It’s really important that you follow their instructions exactly. But if there’s anything you’re not sure about, make sure to ask them. Keep taking TIVICAY for as long as your prescriber tells you to. Do not stop taking TIVICAY or change the dosage without checking with your prescriber first.
-
Q How much TIVICAY do I take?
-
Q How do I take it?
-
Q When should I take it?
-
Q What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your TIVICAY tablet, take it as soon as you remember - unless your next dose is due within 4 hours. In that case skip the one you missed, take your next dose when it’s due, and go back to your normal schedule. If you forget for a whole day, don’t take a double dose to make up for the day you missed.1
-
Q Are there interactions with other medicines I should be aware of?
Yes.1 Before you start on any other medicine, remind your prescriber or pharmacist that you’re taking TIVICAY so they can make sure it’s safe to take them together.
Antacid medicines and calcium or iron supplements can affect how TIVICAY is absorbed by your body. See the Consumer Medicine Information for more information, or speak to your prescriber or pharmacist.1
Do not take TIVICAY if you’re taking another medicine called:1
- dofetilide or
- pilsicainide (to treat heart conditions) or
- fampridine (used in multiple sclerosis).
Do not take TIVICAY if you have an allergy to:1
- any medicine containing dolutegravir
- any of the ingredients listed in the TIVICAY ingredients.
Tell your prescriber if you have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C.1
-
Q Do I need to tell other healthcare providers who’re treating me I’m taking TIVICAY?
Yes, it’s important to tell any other doctors/prescribers, dentists, or pharmacists who’re treating you that you are taking TIVICAY. They need to know because there could be interactions with other medicines they might want to use as part of your treatment.1
If you’re having surgery, remember to tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you’re taking TIVICAY. If you become pregnant while taking TIVICAY, you must tell your prescriber immediately.1
-
Q What are the possible side effects of TIVICAY?
If you feel unwell while you’re on TIVICAY, tell your prescriber or pharmacist as soon as possible.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they’re serious and require medical attention, but most of the time side effects are mild.
TIVICAY helps most people with HIV, but a few people might experience unwanted side effects. If you do get severe side effects, your prescriber might advise you to stop taking TIVICAY.1
When you’re being treated for HIV, it can be hard to tell whether a symptom is a side effect of TIVICAY, or other medicines you might be taking. It could even be an effect of HIV itself. As well as the possible side effects listed below, other conditions can develop during combination therapy for HIV. For that reason it’s very important to let your prescriber know about any changes to your health.1
Some side effects might only be seen in blood tests, and may not appear until you’ve been taking TIVICAY for a while.1
Don’t be alarmed by the following list of possible side effects - you may not have any of them.
These are the most common side effects, which can affect more than 1 in 10 people:1
- headache
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick (nausea)
Some people might experience other side effects that aren’t listed above.1 You can find out more by reading the Consumer Medical Information for TIVICAY, or ask your prescriber or pharmacist for their advice.
Allergic reactions
See a prescriber as soon as possible if you develop a rash.
Allergic reactions are uncommon in people taking TIVICAY. Signs include:1
- skin rash
- a high temperature (fever)
- lack of energy (fatigue)
- swelling, sometimes of the face or mouth (angioedema), causing difficulty in breathing
- muscle or joint aches.
Your prescriber may decide to carry out tests on your liver, kidneys or blood, and may tell you to stop taking TIVICAY.1