Triumeq Information: Adverse Reactions, Pricing, Dosage, Purpose, and Additional Details
Triumeq, a combination of abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine, is an effective treatment for HIV infection in children aged 3 months and older who meet the weight criteria, including those over 12 years old. This medication reduces the amount of HIV virus in the body, increases CD4 cell counts (immune cells), and helps maintain long-term viral suppression, although it does not cure HIV.
For children, available data indicate that Triumeq and similar integrase strand transfer inhibitor-based regimens are generally well-tolerated, show favourable safety profiles, and achieve high rates of virologic suppression, which is critical for treatment success and immune recovery. While direct pediatric clinical trial data on Triumeq may not be as prominent, its component drugs have demonstrated consistent effectiveness in children.
Clinical studies of related integrase-based regimens, such as Biktarvy (also containing dolutegravir), in pediatric populations show sustained viral suppression rates above 90% and increases in CD4 counts, with good tolerability and low rates of adverse effects. This aligns with Triumeq's expected clinical profile since it contains the same integrase inhibitor, dolutegravir, combined with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Before starting Triumeq, your doctor will test you for a specific gene called HLA-B*5701. People with this gene are at an increased risk for an allergic reaction to Triumeq. If you do have the gene, your doctor will likely recommend a different medication instead.
It's important to note that Triumeq may not be right for people with certain medical conditions or factors, such as liver conditions, kidney conditions, heart disease, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. The only condition Triumeq, Triumeq PD, and Biktarvy are used to treat is HIV.
If your child will be taking Triumeq or Triumeq PD, their doctor will test them for the HLA-B*5701 gene as well. People with this gene are at an increased risk for an allergic reaction to Triumeq. If your child does have the gene, their doctor will likely recommend a different medication for treating HIV.
Triumeq has a boxed warning for the risk of allergic reaction to abacavir. This is the most serious warning from the FDA, alerting doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. If you miss a dose of Triumeq, take it as soon as you remember. However, you should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, and do not take more Triumeq than what your doctor prescribed.
Triumeq, Triumeq PD, and Biktarvy all contain a combination of drugs used to treat HIV. As a result, these medications can cause very similar side effects but some different ones as well. Some examples of these side effects include allergic reactions, liver problems, lactic acidosis, heart attack, kidney problems, immune reconstitution syndrome, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
It's not recommended to breastfeed while taking Triumeq due to the risk of transmitting HIV through breast milk. Certain herbs and supplements, such as St. John's wort, may interact with Triumeq. The cost of Triumeq, Triumeq PD, or Biktarvy can vary depending on insurance, location, and pharmacy.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Triumeq, Triumeq PD, and Biktarvy to treat HIV. If you have any concerns or questions about Triumeq or Triumeq PD, it's essential to discuss them with your doctor. They can provide you with the most accurate and personalised information based on your specific situation.
- Maintaining good health and wellness, especially for children living with HIV, is critical, and treatment options like Triumeq can help reduce the virus load, increase CD4 cell counts, and ensure long-term viral suppression.
- Science has shown that Triumeq, based on integrase strand transfer inhibitors, offers favorable safety profiles and high rates of viral suppression for children, making it a potential effective treatment for HIV alongside medications like Biktarvy.
- However, it's crucial for both adults and children to undergo a genetic test for HLA-B*5701 before receiving Triumeq, as people with this gene have an increased risk of an allergic reaction to the medication, potentially necessitating a different HIV treatment.
