Juluca (Dolutegravir And Rilpivirine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Juluca Used For?
Juluca is an antiretroviral medication used to manage HIV infection. It helps reduce the viral load in the body, allowing the immune system to function better.
Primary Uses
Juluca is primarily used to treat HIV infection.
How It Works
Juluca combines two active ingredients: dolutegravir, which inhibits integrase enzymes, and rilpivirine, which blocks reverse transcriptase, both crucial for HIV replication.
Good to know: Juluca is not addictive.
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How to Take Juluca
It is important to take Juluca as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Dosage Instructions
The standard dosage is one tablet daily, taken with a meal. Avoid taking it with certain medications that may affect its absorption.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose and it's less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, but do not double up.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach discomfort
- diarrhea
- flatulence
- decreased appetite
- weight gain
- depression
- anxiety
- insomnia
- fatigue
- itching
- joint pain
- muscle pain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions
- suicidal thoughts
- liver failure
Impulse Control Issues
Monitor for any changes in mood or behavior, as some patients may experience impulse control issues.
Important Warnings
There are specific conditions and medications that may prevent you from safely taking Juluca.
Who Should Not Take Juluca
Do not take Juluca if you have had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients. Avoid it if you are on certain medications like dofetilide, carbamazepine, or any proton pump inhibitors.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as dolutegravir can pass into breast milk.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Special caution is advised for elderly patients, particularly those with dementia.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications can interact with Juluca and affect its efficacy.
Grapefruit interaction: Grapefruit may affect how Juluca works.
- dofetilide
- pilsicainide
- fampridine
- carbamazepine
- oxcarbazepine
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin
- rifampicin
- rifapentine
- omeprazole
- esomeprazole
- lansoprazole
- pantoprazole
- rabeprazole
- dexamethasone
- St John’s wort
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and operating vehicles while on Juluca.
Alcohol
Consult your doctor about alcohol use while taking Juluca.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Juluca may cause dizziness; be careful when driving or using machinery.
Storage
Store Juluca in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from moisture and sunlight.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical help or contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26.
Frequently Asked Questions
Juluca helps manage HIV infection but does not cure it. The effects on viral load may be seen within weeks.
Yes, Juluca should be taken with a meal.
No, Juluca is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Juluca without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen your condition.
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while on Juluca.
Weight gain has been reported as a side effect; monitor your weight and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Elderly patients should use Juluca with caution, especially those with dementia.
If you miss a dose, skip it if it's less than 12 hours until your next dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.