The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug called Tivicay (dolutegravir) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Tivicay is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor, which works by blocking an enzyme the virus needs to multiply. It is meant to be taken in combination with other antiretroviral drugs, not alone.
Tivicay is approved for adults who are new to treatment or who have been treated before. It is also approved for children at least 4 weeks old and weighing at least 3 kilograms (about 6.6 pounds), provided they have not taken an INSTI before. Additionally, Tivicay can be used with another drug called rilpivirine as a complete regimen for certain adults whose virus is already suppressed (below 50 copies/mL) and who have been on a stable treatment for at least 6 months without a history of treatment failure or resistance.
This approval gives doctors and patients another option for managing HIV. It is especially important because it includes pediatric patients, offering a treatment for younger children. However, the drug is not a cure, and it must be taken exactly as prescribed. Also, note that Tivicay tablets and Tivicay PD tablets for oral suspension are not interchangeable, so dosing must be carefully managed.
If you or a loved one are considering Tivicay, talk to your doctor. They can help determine if this drug is right for you, based on your medical history, current medications, and any resistance patterns. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
