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Uses

What is Triumeq used for?

Triumeq (abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine) is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Triumeq may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Triumeq work (mechanism of action)?

People with HIV have a virus that spreads in their body and damages the immune system, making it easier for them to get very sick from other infections. Triumeq works to help stop the spread of HIV in your body. This helps protect and preserve the immune system and can prevent the virus from being spread to other people.

How is Triumeq supplied (dosage forms)?

Triumeq is available as Triumeq and Triumeq PD in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 600 mg/50 mg/300 mg oral tablets
  • 60 mg/5 mg/30 mg tablets for oral suspension

How should I store Triumeq?

Triumeq should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed in the original container. Protect from moisture (do not remove the desiccant from the bottle).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Triumeq?

The most common side effects of Triumeq are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Headache
  • Feeling tired

There may be other side effects of Triumeq that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Triumeq?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Triumeq are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Triumeq. This can cause serious liver problems that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Lactic Acidosis. Triumeq may cause lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in your blood), which can be serious. Stop taking Triumeq and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis.

  • General ill feeling
  • Muscle pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Drowsiness
  • Stomach pain

Immune System Changes. When you start Triumeq, your immune system might get stronger and start fighting infections that have been hiding inside your body for a long time. The type of symptoms you may have will depend on the infection. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following new symptoms of infection. 

  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Vision problems
  • Confusion, problems talking, or headache
  • Skin problems such as a painful rash or warts
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Weakness or coordination problems 

Heart Attack. Triumeq may increase your risk of having a heart attack. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk for heart disease before taking Triumeq. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness

Severe Allergic Reactions. Triumeq may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Triumeq and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Triumeq?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Triumeq.

  • Triumeq
  • Abacavir
  • Dolutegravir
  • Lamivudine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Triumeq.

Genetic Variation. People with a certain genetic variation, known as the HLA-B*5701 allele, should not take Triumeq. These people are at a higher risk of a severe allergic reaction from Triumeq.

Drug Interactions. Triumeq should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Triumeq, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Liver Problems. Triumeq should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

What should I know about Triumeq before using it?

Do not take Triumeq unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Triumeq with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

While Triumeq can help keep the HIV infection under control, it does not cure it. Triumeq does not help protect against or prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI), like herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

Keep Triumeq out of the reach of children.

Taking antacids or supplements with Triumeq can make it not work as well.  Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to take antacids and supplements while taking Triumeq.

If you have HIV and hepatitis B, stopping Triumeq can cause a serious flare-up, or worsening, of your hepatitis B. Your healthcare provider will test you for hepatitis B before or when starting this medicine. Do not run out of Triumeq or stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider first. If you have HIV and hepatitis B and stop taking Triumeq, keep all appointments for blood work so your healthcare provider can check the health of your liver. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Triumeq?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Triumeq is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems, including hepatitis B
  • Kidney problems
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoke tobacco
  • Drink alcohol or take any medicines that contain alcohol

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Triumeq could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Triumeq while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Triumeq, you can register for the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry by visiting www.apregistry.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of antiretroviral medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Triumeq passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Triumeq while breastfeeding. There may be risks with breastfeeding while taking Triumeq and having HIV.

How can I get more information about Triumeq?

For more information about Triumeq, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at us.triumeq.com or call them at 877-844-8872.

Interactions

Does Triumeq interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Triumeq and foods or drinks.

Drinking alcohol while taking Triumeq may increase the risk of side effects from the medicine. It is best to limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking Triumeq.

Does Triumeq interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Triumeq.

  • Dofetilide (Tikosyn), which is a medicine for abnormal heart rhythm 
  • Dalfampridine (Ampyra), which is a medicine for multiple sclerosis
  • Metformin (Glucophage), which is a medicine for diabetes
  • Sucralfate (Carafate), which is a medicine for stomach ulcers
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine used to control seizures
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal, Oxtellar XR), which is a medicine used to treat seizures
  • Phenobarbital, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Methadone, which is an opioid medicine used to treat pain or opioid use disorder
  • Riociguat (Adempas), which is a medicine used to treat pulmonary hypertension
  • Any other medicine for HIV or AIDS
  • Antacids or supplements containing calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or iron

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Triumeq, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Triumeq. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Triumeq?

If you or someone else has used too much Triumeq, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Triumeq?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Missing doses of Triumeq can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses.