Triumeq is a three-in-one anti-HIV medication used to reduce the amount of HIV in the body. Precaution should come in handy, and it’s best to follow the prescription to effectively treat the conditions and avoid severe negative effects.

This article covers Triumeq effectiveness, interaction with alcohol as well as what should not be coadministered.

Effectiveness of Triumeq Drug

This medicine is a one tablet containing a combination of three anti-HIV drugs [1]:

• dolutegravir – belongs to the integrase inhibitor drug class;
• abacavir – is classified as a nucleoside analog, or nuke (NRTI);
• lamivudine (3TC) – also belonging to a group of meds called nukes (NRTIs).

As a complete single-tablet regimen, it is used alone as a once-daily treatment for HIV infection. Since it doesn’t have a booster, it may be associated with fewer negative effects. The drug’s integrase inhibitor blocks an HIV enzyme known as integrase, and NRTIs block reverse transcriptase. By blocking the action of these two enzymes, the meds in Triumeq prohibit the virus from multiplying, thus reducing the viral load in the body.

Triumeq is highly effective and generally well tolerated [2]. Negative effects are uncommon and, depending on the patient’s health and reaction to the medication, can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and headache, among others. These are usually temporary and mild.

What Is the Best Time to Take Triumeq?

Triumeq is only taken once daily. It’s safe to administer without or with food. There are various considerations, especially what to take with this drug or what not to combine with it.

Triumeq can be taken during the day or at night, though it’s best to take this medication in the morning with high-fat breakfast foods for better results. When it’s taken with main meals (at lunch or dinner), those too should contain high-fat content. Moreover, even low fat snack increases the levels of Triumeq.

Depending on the meals you take and the time of your choice to take this med, administer this tablet every day at the same time.

Can You Drink Alcohol with Triumeq?

Taking Triumeq and alcohol should have no serious consequences. The active substance – abacavir – with alcohol poses minor interaction. It may not cause major harm to your health or require a change in therapy [3].

What happens when you drink alcohol excessively? This product can influence the concentration of active substances. Alcohol also gets into your system and slows down the functions of your body.

Being intoxicated can also lead to non-adherence to drug prescriptions such as missed doses. It’s very important to take Triumeq as advised by a medical specialist.

What Should Not Be Taken with Triumeq Pills?

Taking this medicine together with other drugs can affect how Triumeq functions or cause severe negative effects. It is highly recommended to consult with a medical specialist to assess the tabs you take.

Drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS containing abacavir, lamivudine, or emtricitabine should not be taken with Triumeq. Do not administer this med with other products (such as orlistat, dofetilide, and sorbitol) without a doctor’s recommendation [4].

In total, 64 drugs cause negative interactions and 32 cause moderate interactions. Moreover, multivitamin with minerals should not be taken with dolutegravir at the same time [3].

Since this is not a complete list, there are other medicines that might cause unwanted interactions. List all the products you take to your medical specialist to assess. In case you experience serious side effects, inform your doctor for medical assistance.

   References

1. Abacavir / Dolutegravir / Lamivudine. Reviewed: June 9, 2019. Aidsinfo.nih.gov.
2. ARIA STUDY SHOWS SUPERIOR EFFICACY OF TRIUMEQ® FOR TREATMENT-NAÏVE WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV. Published: July 18, 2016. Viivhealthcare.com.
3. Triumeq (abacavir / dolutegravir / lamivudine) and Alcohol / Food Interactions. Retrieved: December 20, 2019. Drugs.com.
4. Drug Interactions. Dosing considerations with other medications. Retrieved: December 20, 2019. Triumeqhcp.com.