Triumeq (abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine) is a prescription drug used to treat HIV. Triumeq comes as an oral tablet. Triumeq PD comes as a tablet for an oral liquid suspension. Both forms are taken once daily.
Triumeq is used in adults and certain children to treat HIV. Triumeq PD is prescribed to treat HIV in certain children who cannot take Triumeq tablets.
The active ingredients in Triumeq and Triumeq PD are abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine. (The active ingredients are what makes a drug work.) Abacavir and lamivudine belong to a group of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Dolutegravir belongs to a group of drugs called integrase inhibitors.
This article describes the dosages of Triumeq and Triumeq PD, as well as their strengths and how to take them. To learn more about both forms of the drug, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosages of Triumeq.
What are Triumeq’s forms?
Triumeq comes as an oral tablet. Triumeq PD is available as a tablet that’s mixed with water to make a liquid suspension a child swallows.
What strengths does Triumeq come in?
Triumeq tablets contain three active ingredients* in the following strengths:
- 600 milligrams (mg) of abacavir
- 50 mg of dolutegravir
- 300 mg of lamivudine
The active ingredients in Triumeq PD tablets come in the following strengths:
- 60 mg of abacavir
- 5 mg of dolutegravir
- 30 mg of lamivudine
* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.
What are the usual dosages of Triumeq?
Your doctor (or your child’s doctor) will prescribe the recommended dosage of Triumeq (or Triumeq PD) for treating HIV.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor or your child’s doctor prescribes.
Dosage for HIV
The typical dosage of Triumeq for adults with HIV is one tablet taken once daily.
What’s the dosage of Triumeq or Triumeq PD for children?
Triumeq is used to treat HIV in children who weigh at least 25 kilograms (kg)* or more. The dosage is one tablet taken once daily.
Triumeq PD is used in children who are at least 3 months of age and who weigh 6 kg to less than 25 kg. It is not recommended for children weighing 25 kg or more.
Your child’s doctor will monitor your child’s weight and may switch them to Triumeq once their weight reaches 25 kg or more.
Triumeq and Triumeq PD are not interchangeable.
Triumeq PD dosage
The chart below describes typical Triumeq dosages for children based on body weight.
| Body weight in kilograms | Triumeq PD dosage | Total dose per day |
| 6 kg to less than 10 kg | 3 tablets taken once daily as a suspension | • 180 mg abacavir • 15 mg dolutegravir • 90 mg lamivudine |
| 10 kg to less than 14 kg | 4 tablets taken once daily as a suspension | • 240 mg abacavir • 20 mg dolutegravir • 120 mg lamivudine |
| 14 kg to less than 20 kg | 5 tablets taken once daily as a suspension | • 300 mg abacavir • 25 mg dolutegravir • 150 mg lamivudine |
| 20 kg to less than 25 kg | 6 tablets taken once daily as a suspension | • 360 mg abacavir • 30 mg dolutegravir • 180 mg lamivudine |
For more information about Triumeq or Triumeq PD’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
* One kilogram equals approximately 2.2 pounds (lb).
Is Triumeq used long term?
Yes, if Triumeq is determined to be safe and effective in treating an individual’s condition, it’s usually used as a long-term treatment.
Dosage adjustments
Triumeq and Triumeq PD are not recommended for use in anyone with moderate to severe liver problems. These drugs may also not be safe for use in anyone with severe kidney problems.
If a dosage adjustment is needed for liver or kidney problems, your doctor (or your child’s doctor) may prescribe a different treatment.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about Triumeq or Triumeq PD’s dosage.
Triumeq’s dosage may depend on several factors. These include:
- a person’s age
- a child’s body weight
- other conditions a person may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section just above)
Triumeq is available as an oral tablet you take once per day. You can take Triumeq with or without food.
You should swallow Triumeq tablets whole. Do not cut, chew, or crush them. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
Triumeq PD is mixed with water to make a liquid suspension that your child will drink once per day. The number of tablets they take will be based on their body weight. This medication can be taken with or without food.
Your child should not swallow Triumeq PD tablets whole. And the tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or cut. They should be mixed with water before swallowing. For information on how to prepare Triumeq PD, see the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you take laxatives or antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, Triumeq or Triumeq PD should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking these drugs.
If you take any supplements that contain calcium or iron, consider the following instructions:
- If taking Triumeq or Triumeq PD with food, you may take these supplements at the same time you take Triumeq or Triumeq PD.
- If taking Triumeq or Triumeq PD without food, take the drug at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking these supplements.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Triumeq, see the “Expiration” section of this article. Or you can talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Triumeq in an easy-open container.
It’s important to take daily doses of Triumeq or Triumeq PD as prescribed. Missing doses can worsen HIV. If you (or your child) miss a dose of the drug, you should take it as soon as possible. But do not take (or administer) two doses to catch up on a missed dose.
If you need help remembering daily Triumeq doses, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Taking more Triumeq or Triumeq PD than prescribed can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Triumeq
Call the doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Triumeq (or your child has taken too much Triumeq PD).
You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you or your child has severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by this drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Triumeq for you (or Triumeq PD for your child), they’ll prescribe the right dosage.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Triumeq (or your child’s dosage of Triumeq PD) without a doctor’s recommendation. These drugs should only be taken exactly as prescribed. Talk with a doctor if you have questions or concerns about your (or your child’s) dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask the doctor:
- As an adult, does my weight affect my dosage of Triumeq?
- How does the dosage of Triumeq compare with that of Biktarvy?
- Would I still take the recommended dosage if I’m taking other medications that affect my liver?
To learn more about Triumeq, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.