How long does it take for Triumeq to work?
Triumeq works quickly to suppress the HIV-1 virus and some people have reported an undetectable viral load within a month of starting Triumeq (corresponds to an HIV-1 RNA level of fewer than 50 copies/mL). However, results can vary among individuals, and most trials have ranged from 48 weeks duration for treatment-experienced patients to 96 or 144 weeks for treatment-naïve patients. After 48 weeks, 88% of people had achieved HIV-1 RNA levels of less than 50 copies/mL3 (considered undetectable) and after 144 weeks, 71% of patients taking Triumeq had HIV-1 RNA levels of less than 50 copies/mL3.
Triumeq is a combination medicine containing dolutegravir, abacavir, and lamivudine that is approved to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 40 kg (88 pounds). The recommended dose of Triumeq is one tablet once a day with or without food, preferably taken at the same time each day.
How effective is Triumeq?
The effectiveness of Triumeq is based on studies such as SINGLE and SAILING, which used dolutegravir (an integrase inhibitor) in combination with a background regimen of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), usually abacavir and lamivudine. Trials ranged from 48 weeks for treatment-experienced patients to 96 or 144 weeks for treatment naïve patients.
71% of patients who took Trimeq reached undetectable viral loads in the blood (the equivalent of fewer than 50 copies/ml of HIV-1). 4% of patients stopped taking Triumeq because of side effects. Triumeq increased CD4+ T-cell count by an average of 378 cells/mm3. These are white blood cells that help fight infection.
Before taking Triumeq, you will need to take a genetic screening test for the HLA-B*5701 gene variation. If you test positive for this gene variation, you won’t be able to take Triumeq, because you will be at higher risk for a serious allergic reaction that can cause death since Triumeq contains abacavir.
Related questions
References
- Triumeq (abacavir sulfate, dolutegravir sodium, lamivudine) 03/2020 ViiV Healthcare Company https://www.drugclasses.com/pro/triumeq.html
- Triumeq Triumeq.com https://us.triumeq.com/
Read next
Triumeq vs Genvoya. How do they compare?
Both Triumeq and Genvoya are combination one-tablet-a-day medicines that are considered first-line treatments for HIV-1 by the HHS guidelines. Because Triumeq does not contain cobicistat, an antiviral booster, it is less likely to interact with other medications and may have fewer side effects than Genvoya. People taking Genvoya do not need to be tested for the HLA-B*5701 gene, because it does not contain abacavir. Continue reading
Does Triumeq cause weight gain?
Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Triumeq that has been reported in post-marketing reports – these are studies done after a drug has been approved. Weight gain was not noted as a side effect of Triumeq in clinical trials and is not documented as a side effect in the product information. Recent studies report that one in six people starting HIV treatment gain at least 10% in body weight over one to two years. The risk is higher in people who start treatment with a combination that contains the integrase inhibitors dolutegravir, bictegravir, or elvitegravir, or the NRTI tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Trimueq contains dolutegravir. Continue reading
Does Triumeq cause hair loss?
Hair loss and thinning of the hair are uncommon side effects of Triumeq that have been reported in post-marketing reports – these are studies done after a drug has been approved. Hair loss/hair thinning was not noted as a side effect of Triumeq in clinical trials and is not documented as a side effect in the product information. The incidence of hair loss/hair thinning with Triumeq is not known. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Triumeq Information for Consumers
- Triumeq prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Triumeq (detailed)
Related support groups
- Triumeq (10 questions, 20 members)
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