Triumeq (abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine) is a prescription brand-name medication. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat HIV in adults. It’s also approved to treat HIV in children who weigh at least 25 kilograms (kg), or about 55 pounds (lb).

Triumeq PD, another version of Triumeq, also treats HIV. For this purpose, Triumeq PD is used in children who weigh from 10 kg (about 22 lb) to less than 25 kg (about 55 lb).

Triumeq and Triumeq PD are typically taken long term.

Here are some fast facts on Triumeq and Triumeq PD:

Like other drugs, Triumeq and Triumeq PD can cause side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Triumeq and Triumeq PD, see this article.

Triumeq and Triumeq PD can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Triumeq and Triumeq PD in clinical trials:

* To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Triumeq and Triumeq PD use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drugs. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for Triumeq and Triumeq PD.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Triumeq and Triumeq PD include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Triumeq (or your child develops a side effect while taking Triumeq or Triumeq PD) and you want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Triumeq and Triumeq PD may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for Triumeq and Triumeq PD.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Triumeq, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. The same advice applies if your child develops serious side effects from taking Triumeq or Triumeq PD.

Serious side effects of Triumeq and Triumeq PD that have been reported and their symptoms can include:

  • Lactic acidosis (high amounts of lactic acid in your blood). Symptoms can include:
    • muscle pain
    • vomiting
    • trouble breathing
    • dizziness
    • increased heart rate
  • Heart attack. Symptoms can include:
    • chest pain
    • pain in your jaw, neck, back, or arms
    • dizziness
    • trouble breathing
  • Liver problems.*
  • Kidney-related side effects.*
  • Severe depression.*
  • Immune reconstitution syndrome (an immune system reaction that can cause symptoms of a past infection or condition to return).†
  • Worsening of existing hepatitis B and developing hepatitis B virus that’s resistant to lamivudine (an active drug in Triumeq and Triumeq PD).*‡
  • Allergic reaction.‡

* To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† Symptoms of immune reconstitution syndrome can vary depending on the type of condition that develops.
Triumeq and Triumeq PD have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Triumeq and Triumeq PD may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Does Triumeq have any long-term side effects?

Possibly. Triumeq and Triumeq PD can cause side effects that affect your kidneys or your liver. These side effects can be long term and, in certain cases, damage to your kidneys or liver may not be reversible.

If you have concerns about long-term side effects of Triumeq and Triumeq PD, talk with your doctor.

Is weight gain a side effect of Triumeq?

It’s not likely. Weight gain wasn’t reported as a side effect during clinical trials of Triumeq and Triumeq PD.

There have been reports of weight gain in people taking one or more of the active drugs in Triumeq or Triumeq PD since the drugs were released. But it’s unclear how often this may have occurred, or whether Triumeq was the cause of the weight gain.

If you have questions about weight gain during Triumeq or Triumeq PD treatment, talk with your doctor.

If I have liver problems, can I take Triumeq?

It depends. If you have moderate or severe liver problems, you should not take Triumeq. This is because it’s not known if the drug is safe or effective for people with these conditions. Examples of these conditions include cirrhosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Children with moderate or severe liver problems should not take Triumeq or Triumeq PD.

In fact, if you or your child has hepatitis B (a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus), it’s important to note thatTriumeq and Triumeq PD also have a boxed warning about worsening of this condition. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

If you have a mild liver condition, you may be prescribed the active drugs in Triumeq (abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine) separately, instead of Triumeq. (Likewise, if your child has a mild liver condition, they may be prescribed the active drugs in Triumeq or Triumeq PD.) This is because one of the active drugs, abacavir, affects the liver. People who have a mild liver condition, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, may need a decreased dosage of abacavir.

Before starting Triumeq, talk with your doctor about any liver problems you have. They can determine whether Triumeq is right for you. Similarly, if your child’s doctor recommends Triumeq or Triumeq PD treatment, tell them about any liver problems your child has. This will help the doctor determine whether these medications are safe for your child.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Triumeq may cause.

Both forms of Triumeq contain the same active drugs, so the information in this section also applies to Triumeq PD.

Kidney-related side effects

Triumeq can cause serious kidney problems. These may include decreased kidney function and kidney failure. A small percentage of people in clinical trials of Triumeq had side effects related to their kidneys.

Kidney problems can cause symptoms such as:

  • swelling in the feet or legs
  • producing less urine than usual
  • confusion

What you can do

If you experience symptoms of kidney problems while taking Triumeq, talk with your doctor right away. They may recommend a treatment other than Triumeq.

Depression

Depression is a possible side effect of Triumeq. This condition occurred in a small number of people taking the drug in clinical trials.

Symptoms of depression can include:

  • reduced interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
  • decreased sexual desire
  • sleeping too much or too little
  • changes in appetite
  • unintentional weight loss or gain

What you can do

If you’re concerned about depression while taking Triumeq, talk with your doctor. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, call your doctor right away. It’s important to get treatment for this condition.

Liver problems

Liver problems have occurred in people taking dolutegravir, which is one of the active drugs in Triumeq.* These problems include fatty liver disease, worsening liver function, and liver failure.

In general, liver problems can cause the following symptoms:

  • fever
  • jaundice
  • dark urine
  • tiredness or weakness
  • pale-colored stool
  • nausea and vomiting
  • pain that’s felt under the ribs, on the right side of the body

Triumeq also has a boxed warning about worsening of existing hepatitis B, which is a liver infection, and developing hepatitis B virus that’s resistant to lamivudine (another of Triumeq’s active drugs). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see “Worsening of existing hepatitis B and developing hepatitis B virus that’s resistant to lamivudine” just below.

Note: If you have moderate to severe liver problems, you should not take Triumeq. See the “Triumeq precautions” section below for details.

* In addition to dolutegravir, Triumeq contains the active drugs abacavir and lamivudine.

What you can do

Tell your doctor immediately if you’re experiencing any symptoms of liver problems. Your doctor may perform some tests to determine how seriously your liver function is affected. They may also recommend stopping Triumeq, depending on how severe your symptoms are.

Worsening of existing hepatitis B and developing hepatitis B virus that’s resistant to lamivudine

For people who have both HIV and hepatitis B, stopping Triumeq may make hepatitis B symptoms worse. Also, if people who have both conditions take Triumeq, they may develop hepatitis B virus (HBV) that’s resistant to lamivudine. (This is one of the active drugs in Triumeq.) Lamivudine can be taken to treat hepatitis B in addition to HIV. So developing HBV that’s resistant to lamivudine can make hepatitis B more difficult to treat.

In fact, Triumeq has a boxed warning about these side effects. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by HBV. Stopping Triumeq can cause hepatitis B symptoms to worsen because lamivudine is used to treat hepatitis B as well as HIV.

For people with both HIV and hepatitis B, taking Triumeq may cause their HBV to become resistant to lamivudine. This can make their hepatitis B more difficult to treat.

Symptoms that an infection is flaring up after stopping Triumeq can include:

What you can do

Be sure to talk with your doctor before you stop taking Triumeq, especially if you have hepatitis B. They can help reduce the risk of your hepatitis B getting worse after you stop the drug.

Before starting Triumeq treatment, you may need to take an HBV test if you don’t know whether you have hepatitis B. If you have HIV and hepatitis B, your doctor may recommend treating the hepatitis B while taking Triumeq. Or they may recommend a treatment other than Triumeq for your HIV.

If you have hepatitis B and you stop taking Triumeq, you’ll be monitored for several months after stopping the drug. Your doctor may have you take medication to keep your hepatitis B from getting worse.

Allergic reaction

Triumeq can cause allergic reactions. In fact, Triumeq has a boxed warning about serious allergic reactions (also called hypersensitivity reactions). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. Some allergic reactions to Triumeq in clinical trials were serious or fatal.

If you have a specific gene called HLA-B*5701, you’re more likely to have an allergic reaction to Triumeq. If you know that you have this gene, or if you’ve had an allergic reaction to Triumeq or any of its ingredients, you should not take Triumeq. (Triumeq contains the active drugs abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine.)

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

If you or your doctor think you’re having an allergic reaction to Triumeq, your doctor will likely have you stop taking the drug. However, it’s important to note that you should not stop taking Triumeq without first talking with your doctor.

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to reduce your symptoms. They can also determine whether you should keep taking Triumeq.

If your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

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Triumeq may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about any health problems before you start Triumeq. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

Both forms of Triumeq contain the same active drugs, so the information in this section also applies to Triumeq PD.

Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings about allergic reaction, worsening of existing hepatitis B, and developing hepatitis B virus that’s resistant to lamivudine. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Triumeq. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Liver problems. You should not take Triumeq if you have moderate or severe liver problems. Examples of these conditions include liver failure or hepatitis C. It’s not known if the drug is safe or effective for people with these conditions. Talk with your doctor about other treatments that may be right for you.

If you have a mild liver condition, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, your doctor may have you take Triumeq’s active drugs separately, instead of Triumeq. This is because one of Triumeq’s active drugs affects the liver. So you may need a decreased dosage of this drug if you have a mild liver condition.

Kidney conditions. If you have kidney problems, you may be able to take Triumeq. But this depends on your kidney function. One of the active drugs in Triumeq can cause kidney problems, including decreased kidney function and kidney failure. Make sure to talk with your doctor about whether Triumeq treatment is right for you.

Depression and other mental health conditions. Depression has been reported by people taking Triumeq. If you have a history of depression, talk with your doctor before taking Triumeq. You may have an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors during treatment with this drug. Your doctor can determine whether Triumeq is safe for you.

Heart problems. Heart attacks have occurred in some people taking Triumeq. If you have heart problems, you may be more likely to have a heart attack. Make sure to talk with your doctor about your risk for heart problems before starting Triumeq.

Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not recommended if you have HIV. See “Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Triumeq” just below for details.

Allergic reaction. You should not take Triumeq if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Triumeq or any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor about other treatments that may be better choices for your HIV.

Alcohol use with Triumeq

Drinking alcohol while taking Triumeq may increase certain side effects of the drug. These include nausea, dizziness, and headache.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to drink while you’re taking Triumeq.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Triumeq

Triumeq is not recommended as a treatment option for HIV during the first trimester (0 to 13 weeks) of pregnancy. This is because one of its active drugs, dolutegravir, may cause serious brain and spinal anomalies in a fetus during this time. Triumeq’s other active drugs, abacavir and lamivudine, are not believed to increase risk of fetal harm.

If you can become pregnant, your doctor may have you take a pregnancy test before you start taking Triumeq.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They’ll help you decide whether Triumeq may be right for you after your first trimester of pregnancy.

It is not recommended that people with HIV breastfeed. This is because HIV can be transmitted to a child through breast milk. Talk with your doctor about other healthy ways to feed your child.

Side effects can occur while taking Triumeq or Triumeq PD, but they’re usually mild. Most mild side effects of the drugs are temporary and don’t require medical attention.

You should talk with your doctor if you experience symptoms of any of the following during Triumeq treatment. Likewise, if your child is taking Triumeq or Triumeq PD, contact their doctor if your child has symptoms of these conditions:

These side effects could be serious and require medical attention.

If you’d like to learn more about Triumeq or Triumeq PD, talk with your doctor (or your child’s doctor) or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking these drugs.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information about Triumeq and Triumeq PD. For details about other aspects of these drugs, refer to this article.
  • Drug comparison. To learn how Triumeq and Triumeq PD compare with Biktarvy, read this article.
  • A look at HIV. For details about HIV, see our HIV and AIDS hub and our list of HIV and AIDS articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.