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Tivicay (dolutegravir) is a prescription medication used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children weighing at least 3 kg. It belongs to a class of drugs called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and is always used in combination with other antiretroviral medications as part of a complete HIV treatment regimen. Tivicay is manufactured by ViiV Healthcare, a company majority-owned by GSK. It is also a key component of several combination HIV pills including Triumeq, Dovato, and Juluca.
Tivicay works by blocking a specific HIV enzyme called integrase. During HIV replication, the virus needs to insert its genetic material into the DNA of human immune cells. Integrase is the enzyme that performs this critical step. Tivicay binds to the active site of HIV-1 integrase and blocks the strand transfer step, preventing viral DNA from integrating into the host cell's genome. Without this integration, the virus cannot hijack the cell to produce new copies of itself, effectively stopping viral replication.
Note: The 10 mg and 25 mg tablet strengths were discontinued as of January 1, 2024.
Tivicay scores a 45 on the Medfinder Findability Scale, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate at your local pharmacy. While Tivicay is not currently listed on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage lists, the 10 mg and 25 mg tablet strengths were permanently discontinued in January 2024, leaving only the 50 mg tablets available. Because Tivicay is distributed through specialty channels, some patients may experience intermittent stock issues at retail pharmacies. Using Medfinder can help you quickly identify which pharmacies near you have Tivicay in stock.
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Tivicay is most commonly prescribed by infectious disease specialists and HIV care providers. However, internal medicine physicians and family medicine doctors who manage HIV patients may also prescribe it. Because HIV treatment requires ongoing lab monitoring (including viral load and CD4 counts), patients are typically managed by providers with experience in antiretroviral therapy. Tivicay can also be prescribed through telehealth HIV care platforms.
No, Tivicay (dolutegravir) is not a controlled substance. It does not have a DEA schedule and is not subject to the prescribing restrictions that apply to controlled medications. It is a standard prescription medication that can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider.
Serious but less common side effects include hypersensitivity reactions (rash, fever, organ dysfunction), hepatotoxicity, immune reconstitution syndrome, weight gain, and elevated creatine kinase. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction or liver problems.
Tivicay (dolutegravir) remains a cornerstone of modern HIV treatment thanks to its high efficacy, once-daily dosing, and high barrier to resistance. While the cash price is steep at nearly $2,900 per month, savings programs from ViiV Healthcare, discount cards, and patient assistance programs can dramatically reduce costs. With the discontinuation of lower-strength tablets, patients needing dose adjustments should work closely with their provider. If you're having trouble finding Tivicay at your local pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate it in stock near you.
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