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Short answer Living with this combination: what to watch for Common questions Related questions Sources**The common side effects of this three-drug HIV combination are trouble sleeping, headache, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, and some weight gain, and most settle within the first few weeks.**
The reaction that matters most is abacavir hypersensitivity, an immune response tied to the HLA-B*5701 gene that usually appears in the first six weeks with fever, rash, stomach upset, or breathing symptoms. That is why you get a blood test for HLA-B*5701 before your first dose, and why abacavir is never restarted once a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected. Lamivudine also treats hepatitis B, so stopping it suddenly can trigger a liver flare if you carry that virus. Taking the tablet at the same time each day, with or without food, and moving the dose earlier if sleep is disrupted covers most of the day-to-day problems.
Living with this combination: what to watch for
Common questions
What are the side effects of Abacavir, Dolutegravir, and Lamivudine?
Most people take this combination without major problems. Common effects are trouble sleeping, headache, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, and modest weight gain, and they often ease over the first few weeks. The serious one is an abacavir hypersensitivity reaction, which usually starts within six weeks and can bring fever, rash, vomiting, belly pain, cough, or shortness of breath. Stop the medicine and reach a clinician the same day if that happens, and never take abacavir again afterward. If you have hepatitis B, stopping lamivudine can cause a liver flare, so do not stop on your own. Report yellowing eyes, dark urine, or new mood changes promptly.