TWINAQT TABLET

Twinaqt Tablet is a combination medication containing the active constituents dolutegravir and lamivudine. It is used to treat HIV infection in adults and adolescents over twelve years old who weigh at least 40 kg. HIV is a Human immunodeficiency virus that attacks and destroys the cells involved in the immune system; the body’s ability to fight against infections decreases and leads to death if untreated properly.

This medicine does not completely cure the infection; it reduces the amount of virus in your body and increases the CD4 cell count in your blood. These cells are important in helping your body to fight infection. Before taking Twinaqt Tablet, you need to inform your physician if you have any liver disease, including hepatitis C or B, kidney disease, allergic conditions, or if you take fampridine (medicine that treats multiple sclerosis).

Do not share personal objects such as toothbrushes or razors with anyone. Do not breastfeed. Consult your doctor about safe sex practices. Do not stop taking Twinaqt Tablet without consulting your doctor. 

Uses of Twinaqt Tablet:

• Treatment of HIV infection 

How Twinaqt Tablet works:

Twinaqt Tablet works by inhibiting the enzymes reverse transcriptase and integrase, thereby inhibiting the replication of viral particles in the body and treats the infection.

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More information:

• Keep Twinaqt Tablet out of sight and reach of children.

References:

1. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 807-808.
2. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiretroviral agents and treatment of HIV infection, 12th edition, 2011, 1634-1635.
3. ViiV Healthcare UK Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on May 2021] [ Accessed on 3rd Jan 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10446.pdf

How to use Twinaqt Tablet:

Take Twinaqt Tablet in dose and duration as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets with some water. It can be taken with or without food. Do not take antacids, multivitamins, or supplements containing magnesium, iron, or calcium during the six hours before you take Twinaqt Tablet, or for at least 2 hours after you take it. These medications can stop Twinaqt Tablet being absorbed into the body and make it less effective.

Safety advice:

Pregnancy: 

Taking Twinaqt Tablet during the first weeks of pregnancy or at the time of becoming pregnant may increase the risk of the malformed spinal cord in the baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking this medicine. The doctor will explain the potential risks and benefits.

Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding is not recommended because viral infection can pass through breast milk.

Liver:

You need to tell your physician if you have or ever had liver diseases, including hepatitis B or C, before taking Twinaqt Tablet, as it may reactivate the virus.

Kidney: 

You need to tell your physician if you have any kidney disorders before taking Twinaqt Tablet, as this medication should be used with caution in kidney disease patients.

Driving: 

Avoid driving if you are feeling unwell, as this medicine can make u feel dizzy and less alert.

Others:

• Do not share personal objects such as toothbrushes or razors.
• Consult a doctor about safe sex practices.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious: 

• Severe allergic reactions (fever, rash, nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath, swelling of the face or mouth, tiredness)

Common:

• Headache
• Itching
• Dizziness, drowsiness
• Wind
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Depression
• Difficulty sleeping, abnormal dreams
• Hair loss
• Muscle pain, joint pain