What is Instgra (Dolutegravir) used for?

Instgra (Dolutegravir) is used with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Dolutegravir is in a class of medications called HIV integrase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in your blood and increasing the number of immune cells that help fight infections in your body. Although dolutegravir does not cure HIV, using it along with other medications may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer.

How should I use Instgra (Dolutegravir)?

Instgra is as a tablet containing 5mg of Dolutegravir per tablet. It should be taken by mouth. Dolutegravir is most commonly taken once or twice a day and can be taken with or without food. Take the dosage prescribed by your doctor and follow all directions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the side effects of Instgra (Dolutegravir)?

Headache and trouble sleeping may result from taking Instgra (Dolutegravir). If these persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

As your immune system gets stronger, it can begin to fight off infections you already had, possibly causing disease symptoms to come back. You could also have symptoms if your immune system becomes overactive. This reaction may happen at any time (soon after starting HIV treatment or many months later). Get medical help right away if you have any serious symptoms, including:

• unexplained weight loss
• severe tiredness
• muscle aches/weakness that doesn`t go away
• headaches that are severe or don`t go away
• joint pain
• numbness/tingling of the hands/feet/arms/legs
• vision changes
• signs of infection (such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, trouble breathing, cough, non-healing skin sores)
• signs of an overactive thyroid (such as irritability, nervousness, heat intolerance, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, bulging eyes, unusual growth in the neck/thyroid known as a goiter)
• signs of a certain nerve problem known as Guillain-Barre syndrome (such as trouble breathing/swallowing/moving your eyes, drooping face, paralysis, trouble speaking)

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• dark urine
• persistent nausea/vomiting/loss of appetite
• stomach/abdominal pain
• yellowing eyes/skin
• signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
• mental/mood changes (such as depression, thoughts of suicide)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash (especially if you also have fever, blisters, mouth sores, eye redness/swelling, muscle/joint pain)
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

If you notice any other side effects while taking Instgra (Dolutegravir), contact your doctor.

Please Note

Before taking Instgra (Dolutegravir), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Instgra may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C), kidney disease.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Before using Instgra (Dolutegravir), women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the risks and benefits. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. Your doctor should direct you to get a pregnancy test before starting this medication. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the first trimester of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication.

It is unknown if dolutegravir passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.