Triumeq: what it treats, how to take it, side effects
Last updated September 6, 2026.
**Abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine combine two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and one integrase inhibitor to treat HIV.** These medicines block HIV from multiplying. You need HLA-B*5701 testing before treatment because abacavir can cause a serious allergic reaction, even with a negative result.
What does it treat?
Sold as Triumeq and pediatric Triumeq PD, this combination treats confirmed HIV-1 infection, including when you have no symptoms. It controls HIV but does not cure it. Your clinician checks resistance results to decide whether this regimen fits.
How do you take it?
Adults take one Triumeq tablet daily, containing 600 mg abacavir, 50 mg dolutegravir, and 300 mg lamivudine, with or without food. Do not exceed one tablet daily. Swallow it whole. Pediatric Triumeq PD dissolves in water and is not interchangeable with adult tablets. Take a missed dose when remembered unless your next dose is almost due; never double. Stop and get immediate medical advice for suspected allergy.
Side effects to know
- Common: You may experience headache, trouble sleeping, nausea, or tiredness.
- Serious: Stop and get immediate help for suspected allergy, especially symptoms from at least two groups: fever; rash; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain; marked tiredness or achiness; cough, sore throat, or breathing difficulty. Yellow skin, dark urine, or severe weakness with abdominal pain or rapid breathing can signal liver injury or lactic acidosis and require immediate evaluation.
Who should not take it?
Do not take this medicine with a positive HLA-B*5701 result, a previous allergy to its ingredients, dofetilide, or moderate or severe liver impairment. Discuss any kidney or liver disease, hepatitis B or C, heart risks, pregnancy, breastfeeding, alcohol use, and all medicines first. Hepatitis B can worsen after stopping. Pregnancy is not a contraindication in current labeling; breastfeeding requires counseling about HIV transmission and medication exposure.
When is it an emergency?
For overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even without symptoms. Call 911 for collapse, breathing trouble, inability to awaken, or throat swelling. Severe weakness with rapid breathing can indicate lactic acidosis and needs emergency care.
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Common questions
What is the maximum adult dose?
Take no more than one Triumeq tablet daily. Some interactions require separately prescribed dolutegravir. Never add another Triumeq tablet yourself.
Can you drink alcohol?
Ask your clinician before drinking. Alcohol increases abacavir exposure. Discuss alcohol-containing medicines too.
Can you take it during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Tell your clinician if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Current labeling reports reassuring updated birth defect findings for dolutegravir. Do not stop treatment yourself. Breastfeeding requires discussion of HIV transmission, infant resistance, and medication effects.
Do you need food?
Food is optional. You can take calcium or iron supplements together with Triumeq when eating. Without food, take Triumeq at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after those supplements.
What are overdose signs?
There is no established symptom pattern that lets you rule out overdose. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Call 911 for collapse or breathing trouble.
Which interactions matter?
Never combine it with dofetilide. Take Triumeq at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after aluminum or magnesium antacids. Have your pharmacist check metformin, rifampin, seizure medicines, and St. John's wort.