Is Triumeq a protease inhibitor?

No, Triumeq is not a protease inhibitor. It is a combination integrase inhibitor (dolutegravir) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (abacavir / lamivudine) used in the treatment of people living with HIV. It comes as an oral tablet taken once a day and is used in adults and in children who weigh at least 40 kg (88 lbs).

• Triumeq contains a fixed dose of three antiviral medicines: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine. You may see the name Triumeq abbreviated ABC / DTG / 3TC.
• Dolutegravir is classified as an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), often just called an integrase inhibitor. Tivicay is the brand name of dolutegravir as a single agent.
• Abacavir / lamivudine is classified as a nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It is also available as a brand name, 2-drug combination called Epzicom.
• Triumeq is manufactured by ViiV Healthcare.

integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) work by blocking integrase, an enzyme needed for HIV to multiple in the body. HIV uses integrase to insert its viral DNA into the human CD4 cell (a T cell, or white blood cell). CD4 cells are important to help fight infections, but their numbers drop with HIV. HIV cannot make copies (replicate) when integrase is blocked by the integrase inhibitor.

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) work by blocking reverse transcriptase, an enzyme also used for HIV replication. HIV uses reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into DNA in the cell. When reverse transcriptase is blocked the virus cannot make copies of itself.

In studies looking at Triumeq for HIV treatment, 71% of patients were able to reach an undetectable level of virus in their blood (fewer than 50 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood).

A person's initial HIV regimen generally includes 2 or 3 antiretrovirals (HIV medicines) from at least two different drug classes. This generally includes two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus a third agent (a protease inhibitor, an integrase inhibitor or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor), and possibly a boosting agent.

Two-drug complete regimens are also now available for patients who have never taken HIV drugs before. Combination agents can ease treatment regimens and help patients adhere to their long-term medication schedule.

Related: HIV Treatment Options: An Overview

This is not all the information you need to know about Triumeq (abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Triumeq information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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