Dovato: Uses, Side effects and Precautions

Overview

About Dovato

Dovato can be used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in adults and children who weigh at least 40 kg (88 lbs).

Significant progress has been made in understanding, controlling, and treating this complicated viral infection since the discovery of HIV/AIDS in the early 1980s. Thanks to continual developments in medical science and pharmaceutical innovation, healthcare practitioners can provide HIV patients with more efficient and practical treatment alternatives. Novato, a cutting-edge antiretroviral therapy (ART) that combines two effective medications into a single, simple-to-use label, is an innovative breakthrough.¹Overview| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

This article examines the introduction, stressing its mode of action, advantages, and potential to improve the quality of life for HIV-positive people.

Uses

Dovato uses

• Used as simplified treatment regimen for HIV
• Helps in Viral suppression

A simplified method of therapy

• Compared to conventional triple therapy, it minimizes the number of medicines patients must take daily.
• The single-tablet regimen simplifies HIV-1 infection care and improves medication adherence.

Suppression of virus

• Lowering the viral load helps keep the immune system strong and stops the spread of infection.¹Uses| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Composition

Composition of Dovato

The main purpose of it is to treat HIV infection. It is recommended for those who have never had antiretroviral therapy before or for those who have achieved viral suppression while using a stable antiretroviral regimen and do not have any known or suspected resistance.

Dolutegravir and lamivudine are the two active components of the combo treatment. Here is a brief description of how each element is used³Composition| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Dolutegravir

• It belongs to the category of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI).
• It prevents the integrase enzyme from doing its job, crucial for integrating HIV-1 genetic material into human cells’ DNA.
• By inhibiting this process, it helps in preventing the virus’s growth and transmission.³Composition| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Lamivudine

• Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).
• It prevents the reverse transcriptase enzyme from doing its job, transforming viral RNA into DNA.
• It stops the virus from replicating and reduces its capacity to infect new cells by halting this process.³Composition| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Side effects

Dovato side effects

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Rash

It may cause adverse effects in certain people, just like any medication. It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone has these side effects, which might vary in severity and duration. Typical negative consequences could be:

Headache

• Headaches, which can range in severity from mild to moderate, may be experienced by certain persons.

Nausea

• Occasionally, it could make you feel nauseous or sick to your stomach. This negative effect might be mitigated by taking the drug with food.

Diarrhea

• It is yet another potential adverse effect. You can manage this illness with a balanced diet and enough water consumption. If it persists or gets worse, talking with a healthcare professional is essential. Speaking with a healthcare provider is crucial if it persists or worsens.

Insomnia

• Some people could have trouble falling asleep or have sleep disruptions when using it. Practicing excellent sleep hygiene and talking to your doctor about any problems you may have is advisable.

Fatigue

• There may be a feeling of fatigue or exhaustion. A good night’s sleep and careful management of your daily activities can help with this discomfort.

Pain in the abdomen

• Some people may feel discomfort or pain in their abdomens. It’s crucial to get medical help if this continues or gets worse.

Rash

• It can occasionally result in skin rashes. Seek quick medical attention if you experience a rash, especially if other symptoms like a fever or blisters accompany it.

Any side effects must be reported right away. To reduce discomfort, they can advise you on managing side effects or, if required, changing your treatment plan.²Side effects| Researched based study from Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

Precautions

Warnings and precautions

Increased sensitivity

• The ingredients in this drug may cause hypersensitivity or allergies in some persons.
• If you have ever experienced a negative reaction to any substances, let your healthcare provider know.
• Rashes, fevers, inflammatory conditions, and organ failure indicate hypersensitivity reactions.

Combination with hepatitis B

• It is not recommended for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Your healthcare practitioner will choose the best HIV and HBV treatment plan if you have an HBV coinfection.

Resistance

• It is essential to confirm that there is no known or suspected resistance to each of its parts before beginning. Resistance testing could be necessary to find out whether it is suitable for your specific needs.

Liver

• It should be used with caution by people who have a history of liver or kidney problems. In general, it is suggested to check kidney and liver function regularly.

Breastfeeding and becoming pregnant

• Since there are few studies on its safety in pregnant and nursing women, it may be wise to seek alternate therapies.²Precautions| Researched based study from Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

Syndrome of immune reconstitution

• Starting antiretroviral medication in persons with advanced HIV infection may cause immunological reconstitution syndrome, an inflammatory reaction.
• It can be identified by the sudden appearance of pre-existing conditions, inflammatory disorders, or their decline.²Precautions| Researched based study from Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

Vs Biktarvy

Dovato vs Biktarvy

• Both drugs are used in the treatment of adult HIV infection. They do, however, contain various pharmacological combinations.
• It is a drug that combines lamivudine and dolutegravir. Whereas Biktarvy combines the three medications bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide.
• Both have been successful in treating HIV infection and reducing viral loads to undetectable levels.
• The decision between these treatments will be based on the patient’s characteristics, medical history, probable drug interactions, and personal preferences, among other things.⁴Vs Biktarvy| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Interactions

Interaction with medications

Antacids and supplements

• It shouldn’t be taken simultaneously as vitamins or drugs like aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, like antacids. Dolutegravir, one of the ingredients, may be less readily absorbed when exposed to certain substances.
• Before taking any antacids, it is advisable to wait at least two hours before or six hours after taking the drug.

Drugs that alter the stomach pH

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists are two examples of medications that change the stomach’s acidity and may reduce absorption. If you are now taking or want to start taking such drugs, it is advised that you talk to your doctor.²Interactions| Researched based study from Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

Rifampin and rifampicin

• Dolutegravir levels in the blood can be markedly reduced by these drugs used to treat tuberculosis. Therefore, it is generally not advised to administer Dovato and rifampin together. Alternative HIV treatments should be taken into account.

Certain anti-epileptic drugs

• Some medications, including phenobarbital, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and phenytoin, can lower the level of the drug in the blood. You need to change your dose or look into other therapy choices.²Interactions| Researched based study from Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

St. John’s Wort

• The blood level of dolutegravir can be markedly reduced by an herbal supplement used to treat depression. Avoid taking Dovato and St. John’s wort at the same time.

Various other medications

• It may interact with several medications, such as certain antibiotics, antifungals, and other antiretroviral treatments. Your healthcare practitioner can adequately handle potential drug interactions if you inform them about your medications.²Interactions| Researched based study from Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov