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Tivicay Coupon - Tivicay 50mg tablet

Tivicay

dolutegravir
Used for HIV Treatment
Used for HIV Treatment

Tivicay (dolutegravir) is a medication that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Some side effects can include trouble sleeping, tiredness, and headache, but they aren't very common with this medication. Tivicay (dolutegravir) comes as two different formulations: a tablet that you swallow whole and a tablet that you mix in water to make into a liquid solution. Tivicay (dolutegravir) is only available as a brand-name medication; there's no generic at this time.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 11, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Tivicay (dolutegravir)?

What is Tivicay (dolutegravir) used for?

  • Treatment of HIV infection in people aged 4 weeks and older

How Tivicay (dolutegravir) works

Tivicay (dolutegravir) is an integrase inhibitor. Integrase is an enzyme (protein) that HIV uses to insert its genetic information into your cells. Once inserted, HIV uses your cells to make more copies of itself. Tivicay (dolutegravir) works by blocking integrase, which then helps prevent HIV from spreading.

Are you looking for information on Dovato (dolutegravir / lamivudine) or Triumeq (abacavir / dolutegravir / lamivudine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTivicay, Tivicay PD
Drug ClassHIV ARV
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Tivicay (dolutegravir)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

The following side effects were reported in adults taking this medication with other HIV ARVs. Side effects might differ in children.

Other Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Depression
  • Strange dreams

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reactions: fever, rash, extreme tiredness, body aches, mouth sores, blisters, trouble breathing
  • Serious liver problems: nausea, vomiting, not feeling hungry, pain in the right side of the stomach, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool

Source: DailyMed

More on Tivicay (dolutegravir) side effects

Tivicay: Side effects: man bed insomnia 971280942

5 Dolutegravir Side Effects You Should Know About

Written by Cole D. Luty, PharmD, BCPS

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Black, tarry stools

blistering or peeling skin

bloody urine

burning, dry, or itching eyes

chest pain

chills

cough

dark urine

decreased frequency or amount of urine

discharge or excessive tearing

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

increased thirst

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

light-colored stools

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

muscle or joint aches

nausea

painful or difficult urination

rash with fever

redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

severe rash

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

swollen glands

trouble breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

upper right abdominal or stomach pain

vomiting

weight gain

yellow eyes and skin

Incidence not known

Clay-colored stools

decreased appetite

headache

stomach pain or tenderness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Itching skin

stomach discomfort

trouble sleeping

Rare

Abnormal dreams

diarrhea

dizziness

Incidence not known

Anxiety

difficulty in moving

joint pain or swelling

muscle cramp or stiffness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Tivicay (dolutegravir)

thumbs-up

Pros

Can take with or without food

Available for adults and children at least 4 weeks old and weighing at least 7 pounds

Has an oral tablet formulation that can be dissolved in water and taken as a solution (Tivicay PD), so it's convenient if you have trouble swallowing pills

thumbs-down

Cons

Interacts with a lot of medications, such as some other HIV medications, anti-seizure medications (e.g., oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)), and antacids

Can't take with dofetilide (Tikosyn) because of risk of serious side events

Not recommended for use if you have severe liver problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Tivicay (dolutegravir)

pharmacist

  • Tivicay oral tablets are not the same as Tivicay PD tablets for oral suspension. If you're just starting or switching to a different formulation of Tivicay (dolutegravir), double check with your provider that the formulation, dose, and directions are appropriate for you.

    • Swallow Tivicay or Tivicay PD tablets whole. Don't chew, cut, or crush the tablet. For Tivicay PD tablets, if you need to take more than one tablet, swallow them one at a time so you don't choke on them.

      • If you're having trouble swallowing the tablet, ask your provider about using the Tivicay PD tablets to make a liquid solution that you can drink.

        • How to make a liquid solution from the Tivicay PD tablets: Mix the Tivicay PD tablets with 5 mL or 10 mL of water in the dosing cup provided. The amount of water you need will depend on the number of tablets for your dose. Swirl the mixture, and make sure there aren't any clumps. Then, drink the mixture within 30 minutes. You can add more water to the dosing cup, swirl, and swallow to make sure you've taken all the medication.

          • Make sure to get your routine blood tests done on time while you’re taking Tivicay (dolutegravir). This helps your provider make sure this medication is working for you and not causing side effects.

            • Take Tivicay (dolutegravir) 2 hours before or 6 hours after any antacids for heartburn (e.g., Tums) and supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, or aluminum. These medications can interfere with how your body absorbs Tivicay (dolutegravir) and cause it to not work as well at treating HIV. Taking Tivicay (dolutegravir) at a different time than these medications can help prevent this interaction from happening.

              • Let your provider or pharmacist know what medications you're taking or planning to take, including over-the-counter products and supplements. Tivicay (dolutegravir) can interact with many medications. These interactions can affect how well your medications work or how safe they are for you.

                • Tivicay (dolutegravir) can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. If you experience fever, rash, extreme tiredness, body aches, or trouble breathing, get medical attention right away.

                  • Talk to your provider before stopping Tivicay (dolutegravir) or any of your HIV medications. Doing so can cause the virus to spread and become harder to treat.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Tivicay (dolutegravir)

                    Can Tivicay (dolutegravir) be crushed?
                    It's not recommended to crush the Tivicay and Tivicay PD tablets. If you have trouble swallowing either tablet formulations, ask your provider about using the Tivicay PD tablets to make a liquid solution that you can drink. Only the Tivicay PD tablets can be made into a mixture with water so it's easier for you to take the medication. Once you've mixed the Tivicay PD tablets with water, you should take the medication within 30 minutes. It's important to note that Tivicay and Tivicay PD are not the same exact medication, so your dose can be different if you're switching from one formulation to another. Talk to your provider about which option is the best for you.
                    Is Tivicay (dolutegravir) used for PEP?
                    Yes, Tivicay (dolutegravir) can be used for PEP, also known as post-exposure prophylaxis (prevention). PEP is a combination of HIV medications for people who might've been exposed to HIV during sex, through sharing needles, or other way. According to the CDC guidelines, the preferred PEP regimen for healthy people at least 13 years of age is Tivicay (dolutegravir) with Truvada by mouth once daily for 28 days. Remember that these medications need to be taken within 3 days of exposure to greatly lower the risk of HIV infection. Talk to your provider about the best PEP option for you.
                    Can Truvada and Tivicay (dolutegravir) be taken together?
                    Yes, Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and Tivicay (dolutegravir) can be taken together. In fact, this combination of medications is one of the preferred treatment regimens for people with HIV starting therapy for the first time. This regimen is also the preferred PEP treatment for healthy people who might've been exposed to HIV. This is known as post-exposure prophylaxis and is used to lower the risk of HIV infection. Each medication in this regimen works differently to prevent HIV from spreading. Talk to your provider to see whether a combination of Truvada and Tivicay (dolutegravir) is part of your treatment plan.
                    Can Descovy and Tivicay (dolutegravir) be taken together?
                    Yes, Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) and Tivicay (dolutegravir) can be taken together. In fact, this combination of medications is one of the preferred treatment regimens for people with HIV starting therapy for the first time. Each medication in this regimen works differently to prevent HIV from spreading. Talk to your provider to see whether a combination of Descovy and Tivicay (dolutegravir) is part of your treatment plan.
                    Is Tivicay (dolutegravir) safe in pregnancy?
                    If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, let your provider know right away. They can discuss with you about the risks and benefits of taking Tivicay (dolutegravir). They also might consider other HIV treatment options for you. Tivicay (dolutegravir) can raise the risk for neural tube defects in babies when it's taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. But, it might be possible to take the medication during your second and third trimesters of pregnancy. If you're pregnant and you're taking Tivicay (dolutegravir), you’re encouraged to enroll in the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR). This registry collects information about your and your baby’s health during treatment with Tivicay (dolutegravir). Learn more about this registry by calling 1-800-258-4263.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Tivicay (dolutegravir)?

                    Tivicay (dolutegravir) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Allergic reaction

                    • Risk factor: History of allergy to dolutegravir

                      Although rare, Tivicay (dolutegravir) can cause allergic reactions that are sometimes severe and life-threatening. Watch out for allergic reactions, such as severe rash with fever, general discomfort, muscle or joint pain, mouth sores, blisters, facial swelling, or trouble breathing. Stop taking Tivicay (dolutegravir) right away and get medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

                      If you have a serious allergic reaction, your provider will probably switch you to a different medication to treat HIV. Your provider might also check your liver function through blood work since severe allergic reactions can sometimes lead to liver injury.

                      risk-warning

                      Liver problems

                      • Risk factors: Hepatitis B or C | Severe liver problems

                        Rarely, people who take medications that contain dolutegravir, such as Tivicay (dolutegravir), can experience serious liver problems. While liver injury can happen to anyone taking these medications, the risk for worsening liver problems might be higher if you also have hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Talk with your provider about your medical history before starting this medication so they can decide how you can safely take Tivicay (dolutegravir). Make sure to get blood tests done during treatment so your provider can check your liver health. If you experience symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea, vomiting, feeling weak, upper right stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, or dark urine, talk with your provider right away.

                        risk-warning

                        Overactive immune system

                        Taking combination ARV therapy, such as Tivicay (dolutegravir) with other HIV medications, can cause changes to your immune system called immune reconstitution syndrome. This medical condition happens when your immune system becomes more active after you start combination therapy. Your immune system begins to fight off different infections that it was too weak to fight off before you started treatment. In rare cases, your immune system might improve so much with treatment that it starts to attack normal cells in your body (autoimmune). You can develop immune reconstitution syndrome as early as during the first few weeks of treatment or many months later. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms, such as fever, pain, hair loss, bulging eyes, or sweating, after starting Tivicay (dolutegravir).

                        risk-warning

                        Interactions with other medications

                        Some medications can interfere with how your body gets rid of Tivicay (dolutegravir) from your system. This can affect the amount of Tivicay (dolutegravir) in your body, how well it works, and the risk of side effects.

                        When taken with Tivicay (dolutegravir), certain medications can lower the amount of Tivicay (dolutegravir) in your body and cause it to not work as well at treating HIV. Because of this effect, avoid taking Tivicay (dolutegravir) with certain anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin)) or certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampin (Rifadin)). And make sure to take Tivicay (dolutegravir) 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking antacids like calcium carbonate (Tums) to prevent this interaction from happening.

                        Tivicay (dolutegravir) can also affect how your body absorbs other medications. For example, Tivicay (dolutegravir) can cause your body to absorb more dofetilide (Tikosyn), a heart rhythm medication. This can lead to irregular heartbeat that can be dangerous. Because of this risk, avoid taking Tivicay (dolutegravir) with dofetilide (Tikosyn).

                        Since there's a potential for interactions with Tivicay (dolutegravir) and various medications, tell your provider and pharmacist about all the medications you take or plan to take. They can make sure your medications are safe to take together.

                        risk-warning

                        Harm to unborn baby

                        Taking Tivicay (dolutegravir) during early pregnancy might raise the risk for birth defects called neural tube defects in babies. Because of this potential risk, if you're able to have a child, your provider will ask you to take a pregnancy test to check if it's safe for you to take Tivicay (dolutegravir). They'll also discuss with you about birth control options during your treatment with Tivicay (dolutegravir). It might be possible to take Tivicay (dolutegravir) in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, but only if the benefit is greater than the risk of harm to the unborn baby. If you're pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, discuss your HIV treatment options with your provider.

                        dosage

                        Tivicay (dolutegravir) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 30 tablets of 50mg of Tivicay (dolutegravir) is $2103.01 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 19.22% off the average retail price of $2603.40.
                        tablet
                        Tablet
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        10mg30 tablets$415.39$13.85
                        25mg28 tablets$997.44$35.62
                        50mg30 tablets$2103.01$70.10

                        Typical dosing for Tivicay (dolutegravir)

                        • Tivicay oral tablets

                          • Adults: The typical dose is 50 mg by mouth once or twice daily.

                          • Children 4 weeks and older who weigh at least 30 pounds: The dose will depend on your child’s body weight. The typical dose is 40 mg or 50 mg by mouth once daily.

                        • Tivicay PD oral tablets for suspension

                          • Children 4 weeks and older who weigh at least 7 pounds: The dose will depend on your child’s body weight. The typical dose ranges from 5 mg to 30 mg by mouth once daily. This formulation is preferred for children who weigh less than 44 pounds.

                        Note: Tivicay oral tablets and Tivicay PD tablets for suspension are not interchangeable, meaning that the doses aren't the same if you switch from one formulation to another. Your provider will give you instructions on how to switch between formulations, if needed.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Tivicay (dolutegravir) and other drugs

                        Tivicay (dolutegravir) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Tivicay (dolutegravir). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                        How much does Tivicay (dolutegravir) cost?

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                        contraindications-icon

                        Tivicay (dolutegravir) contraindications

                        Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Tivicay (dolutegravir) will not be safe for you to take.

                        • Taking dofetilide (Tikosyn) because of higher risk for serious side effects (e.g., irregular heartbeat)

                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Tivicay (dolutegravir)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Tivicay (dolutegravir). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Tivicay (dolutegravir)
                        Used for:

                        • Treatment of HIV infection in people aged 4 weeks and older

                        $415.39 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Prezista (darunavir)
                        Used for:

                        • Treatment of HIV infection in people aged 3 years and older

                        $71.72 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Isentress (raltegravir)
                        Used for:

                        • Treatment of HIV

                        $2041.01 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                        Tivicay (dolutegravir) images

                        Yellow Round Sv 572 And 50 - Tivicay 50mg Tablet
                        This medicine is Yellow, Round Tablet Imprinted With "50" And "Sv 572".Yellow Round Sv 572 And 50 - Tivicay 50mg Tablet

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Neural tube defects.

                        HIV.gov. (n.d.). HIV/AIDS Glossary: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).

                        HIV.gov. (n.d.). HIV/AIDS glossary: Integrase.

                        View All References (8)

                        HIVInfo. (2021). HIV prevention.

                        HIVInfo. (2021). HIV treatment.

                        HIVInfo. (2022). Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents with HIV.

                        Kenneth, D. L., et al. (2018). Updated guidelines for antiretroviral postexposure prophylaxis after sexual, injection drug use, or other nonoccupational exposure to HIV—United States, 2016.

                        MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Creatine kinase.

                        MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Lipase tests.

                        Thapa, S., et al. (2023). Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. StatPearls.

                        ViiV Healthcare Company. (2022). TIVICAY PD- dolutegravir sodium tablet, for suspension TIVICAY- dolutegravir sodium tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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