What Is Tivicay?

Tivicay is the brand name for Dolutegravir, a prescription medication used to treat HIV-1 infection. It belongs to a class of drugs called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). Tivicay is made by ViiV Healthcare, a company owned by GSK that focuses exclusively on HIV treatments.

Tivicay is not a cure for HIV. Instead, it works by blocking the virus from multiplying in your body. When taken correctly as part of a combination regimen, Tivicay can reduce your viral load to undetectable levels — meaning the virus is still present but at such low levels that standard tests can't detect it. An undetectable viral load also means you cannot transmit HIV to sexual partners (known as U=U, or Undetectable = Untransmittable).

What Is Tivicay Used For?

Tivicay is FDA-approved for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in:

• Adults — In combination with other antiretroviral medications
• Children weighing at least 3 kg (about 6.6 lbs) — Using either the standard 50 mg tablet or Tivicay PD dispersible tablets (5 mg) for younger children

Tivicay is always used in combination with other HIV medications. It is never taken alone. Common combination partners include tenofovir and emtricitabine, or lamivudine. Tivicay is also a key ingredient in several combination pills:

• Triumeq — Dolutegravir + abacavir + lamivudine
• Dovato — Dolutegravir + lamivudine
• Juluca — Dolutegravir + rilpivirine

If you're taking one of these combination products, you're already getting Dolutegravir — you don't need separate Tivicay.

Tivicay Dosage

The standard dosages for Tivicay are:

For Treatment-Naive Adults (Starting HIV Treatment)

50 mg once daily — This is the most common dose. One tablet, once a day.

For Treatment-Experienced Adults With INSTI Resistance

50 mg twice daily — If resistance testing shows your HIV has mutations that reduce sensitivity to integrase inhibitors, your doctor may increase the dose.

When Taking Certain Other Medications

50 mg twice daily — Some medications speed up how your body breaks down Dolutegravir, reducing its effectiveness. If you take any of the following, your doctor will likely prescribe 50 mg twice daily:

• Efavirenz
• Fosamprenavir/ritonavir
• Tipranavir/ritonavir
• Rifampin
• Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital

For a complete list of medications that interact with Tivicay, read our guide on Tivicay drug interactions.

Available Strengths

As of 2024, only the 50 mg film-coated tablet is available for adults. The 10 mg and 25 mg tablets were permanently discontinued in January 2024. Tivicay PD (5 mg dispersible tablets) remains available for pediatric patients.

How to Take Tivicay

Follow these guidelines for taking Tivicay:

• Take it orally with or without food
• Swallow the tablet whole — do not crush, chew, or break it
• Take it at the same time every day to maintain consistent drug levels
• If you take calcium, iron, or magnesium supplements:
  • Without food: Take Tivicay 2 hours before or 6 hours after the supplement
  • With food: You can take them at the same time
• If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one on schedule. Don't double up.

How Does Tivicay Work?

Tivicay blocks a specific HIV enzyme called integrase. Normally, HIV uses integrase to insert its genetic material into your cells' DNA, which allows the virus to hijack your cells and make copies of itself. By blocking this step, Tivicay prevents the virus from replicating.

For a more detailed explanation, read How Does Tivicay Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

Common Side Effects

Most people tolerate Tivicay well. The most commonly reported side effects include:

• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness

These side effects are usually mild and often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. Serious side effects are rare but can include hypersensitivity reactions, liver problems, weight gain, and elevated creatine kinase.

For a complete breakdown, read Tivicay Side Effects: What to Expect.

Who Should Not Take Tivicay?

Tivicay is not for everyone. You should not take it if you:

• Have had a previous allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to Dolutegravir
• Are taking Dofetilide (a heart medication) — this combination is contraindicated because Dolutegravir increases Dofetilide levels, which can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems

Talk to your doctor before taking Tivicay if you have liver disease, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or take any other medications.

How Much Does Tivicay Cost?

Tivicay is an expensive brand-name medication:

• Cash price (no insurance): $2,800–$2,925 for a 30-day supply of 50 mg tablets
• With discount cards: $2,259–$2,276 with GoodRx Gold or SingleCare
• With insurance: Copays vary widely. Medicare Part D plans may charge around $73/month. Commercial insurance copays depend on your plan's formulary tier.
• ViiVConnect Savings Card: Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per fill. Apply at myviivcard.com.

There is currently no generic version of Tivicay available in the United States. Generic Dolutegravir is expected to become available after Tivicay's patent expires in June 2030.

For more ways to reduce your costs, read How to Save Money on Tivicay.

Tivicay vs. Other HIV Medications

How does Tivicay compare to other options?

• Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) — A complete single-tablet regimen and the most commonly prescribed first-line HIV treatment. Tivicay requires additional medications to form a complete regimen.
• Dovato (dolutegravir/lamivudine) — Contains Dolutegravir plus lamivudine in one pill. A simpler two-drug regimen.
• Isentress (raltegravir) — An older INSTI, taken twice daily. Available as a generic, which may be less expensive.
• Cabenuva (cabotegravir/rilpivirine) — A long-acting injectable given monthly or every two months. Eliminates daily pills entirely.

Your doctor will recommend the best option based on your treatment history, resistance testing, other medications, and preferences. Learn more in our alternatives to Tivicay guide.

Finding Tivicay in 2026

While Tivicay is not currently listed on national shortage databases, it can sometimes be difficult to find at your local pharmacy. The 10 mg and 25 mg strengths were discontinued in 2024, and specialty distribution can cause intermittent availability issues.

If you're having trouble finding Tivicay:

• Use MedFinder to check pharmacy stock online
• Read about why Tivicay can be hard to find
• Learn tips for finding Tivicay in stock near you

The Bottom Line

Tivicay is a proven, effective HIV medication that has helped millions of people achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load. It's taken once daily (for most patients), has a manageable side effect profile, and is a cornerstone of modern HIV treatment. While the cost is high and a generic won't be available until 2030, savings programs can significantly reduce what you pay.

If you need help finding Tivicay or want to compare pharmacy prices, visit MedFinder.