Triumeq (abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine) is a prescription drug used to help treat HIV. It can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include insomnia (trouble sleeping), headache, and kidney problems.

Triumeq is used in adults and some children to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It’s also available as Triumeq PD to treat HIV in certain children.

Triumeq comes as a tablet you swallow. Triumeq PD comes as a tablet that’s mixed with water to make a liquid suspension that children can swallow.

Triumeq has three active ingredients: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Your doctor won’t prescribe Triumeq or Triumeq PD if you or your child have HIV that’s resistant (not responding) to certain medications.

Keep reading to learn about the more common, mild, and serious side effects Triumeq can cause.

For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Triumeq treatment. Examples of this drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Triumeq, visit MedWatch.

Mild side effects have been reported with Triumeq. These include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Triumeq unless your doctor recommends it.

Triumeq may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Serious side effects have been reported with Triumeq. These include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Triumeq, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Triumeq’s side effects.

Does Triumeq cause long-term side effects?

Long-term side effects are possible but not common with Triumeq treatment. These can include:

Long-term side effects of Triumeq may begin during treatment and in some cases may continue after treatment ends. For example, it’s possible that liver and kidney damage may not be reversible in some cases.

Before starting Triumeq, your doctor will check how your liver and kidneys are working. They’ll also monitor these organs throughout your treatment with Triumeq.

If you experience bothersome side effects from this drug, talk with your doctor. They’ll determine whether you need to stop Triumeq and switch to an HIV treatment that’s safer for you.

Do not stop taking Triumeq on your own. Stopping this drug suddenly can increase your risk of serious side effects if you have certain conditions.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about long-term side effects from Triumeq.

Is weight gain a side effect of Triumeq?

It’s possible. A review of studies found that certain people gained weight during the first 2 years of treatment with dolutegravir, an active ingredient* in Triumeq. This happened in people who hadn’t received HIV treatment in the past.

Although weight gain was not reported in studies of people taking Triumeq, it was reported after Triumeq and Triumeq PD came on the market.

It’s important to consider that weight gain may happen from other medications you’re taking or for other reasons. If you’re concerned about weight gain with Triumeq, talk with your doctor. They can tell you the likelihood of this side effect.

* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Can Triumeq cause hair loss?

It’s possible. Hair loss was not reported in Triumeq studies but has been reported since the drug came on the market. It’s unclear whether Triumeq caused the hair loss, though. Hair loss may have other causes, such as:

  • stress
  • genetic factors
  • serious illness
  • other medications you take

If you’re concerned about Triumeq causing hair loss, talk with your doctor. They can provide more information about the likelihood of this side effect based on your individual situation. They may also be able to recommend ways to help manage this side effect if it occurs.

Learn more about some of the side effects Triumeq may cause.

Risks of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus and worsening of hepatitis B

Triumeq has a boxed warning about the following risks in people with both HIV and the hepatitis B virus (HBV):

  • development of lamivudine-resistant HBV
  • worsening of hepatitis B

A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you have both HIV and HBV, you have a higher risk of your HBV getting worse if you stop taking Triumeq. This wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. But this side effect has been reported with lamivudine (an active ingredient* in Triumeq).

This is one possible reason that stopping Triumeq may cause your HBV symptoms to worsen. Lamivudine is used to treat HBV as well as HIV. Taking Triumeq when you have both conditions can also cause lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus. And this could make your HBV infection harder to treat.

For more details about these serious side effects of Triumeq, see the drug’s prescribing information. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

What might help

Before you begin treatment with Triumeq, your doctor will test you for HBV. If you have HBV, they may treat the condition before you begin Triumeq. In some cases, they may recommend a different treatment for your HIV.

Do not stop taking Triumeq on your own. Stopping this drug could increase your risk of liver damage or worsening HBV.

If you have both HIV and HBV and need to stop taking Triumeq, your doctor will order blood tests for you over several months. This will enable them to monitor you closely to make sure your HBV symptoms don’t worsen. And if your HBV symptoms flare up, they’ll treat these symptoms.

Risk of serious allergic reaction

Triumeq has a boxed warning for the risk of serious, even life threatening, allergic reactions in rare cases. These were reported in the drug’s studies.

Your risk of a serious allergic reaction to abacavir (one of the active ingredients* in Triumeq) is higher if you have a certain gene known as HLA-B*5701. But people without this gene have also had allergic reactions to Triumeq in rare cases.

A serious allergic reaction is more likely to happen within the first 6 weeks of Triumeq treatment. But it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to the drug at any time during treatment. Symptoms may include:

* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

What might help

Your doctor will do a blood test to see if you have the HLA-B*5701 gene. If you do, they’ll recommend that you do not take Triumeq.

Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to any of the active ingredients in Triumeq (abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine). They’ll recommend a different treatment option that’s safer.

If you’re prescribed Triumeq, you’ll receive a warning card that lists possible symptoms of an allergic reaction. Be sure to carry the card with you as long as you’re taking this medication.

If you experience an allergic reaction to Triumeq, call your doctor right away. They’ll likely have you stop taking this drug and recommend a safer option for you. But do not stop taking Triumeq without talking with them first.

If you think you’re having a life threatening allergic reaction, call 911 or your local emergency medical number immediately.

Kidney problems

Kidney-related side effects were reported in Triumeq studies. If you have serious kidney problems, the drug may take longer to leave your body which could increase your risk of side effects. Symptoms of kidney problems may include:

What might help

Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before starting Triumeq. They’ll likely order blood tests to check your kidney function and then decide whether this treatment is safe for you. They’ll also monitor your kidneys while you’re taking Triumeq.

Insomnia

Triumeq can cause insomnia (trouble sleeping). This was a common but mild side effect of the drug reported in studies. Insomnia may be caused by stress, other medications you take, or other health conditions you have.

What might help

If you have bothersome insomnia while taking Triumeq, talk with your doctor. They can discuss possible causes with you and suggest ways to help manage it.

Fatigue

Taking Triumeq can cause tiredness or fatigue (low energy). This was a common but mild side effect reported in studies of people taking the drug.

Keep in mind that there may be other causes of fatigue, such as your condition and other medications you take. It can also be a symptom of serious Triumeq side effects, such as a serious allergic reaction.

What might help

If you’re having serious fatigue that’s bothersome or affecting your daily life, talk with your doctor. They can discuss possible causes with you and suggest ways to help manage them.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Triumeq can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This may be mild or serious. Symptoms can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

Triumeq has a boxed warning about serious allergic reaction, which is possible with this drug. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Risk of serious allergic reaction” section above.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Triumeq, they’ll decide whether you should continue taking it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Triumeq, they’ll likely switch you to a different treatment.

Triumeq may not be suitable for everyone. It comes with several warnings, including boxed warnings.

Boxed warnings

Triumeq has boxed warnings regarding the risk of serious allergic reaction, developing lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV), and worsening of existing hepatitis B. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Risk of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus and worsening hepatitis B

If you have both HIV and HBV infections, stopping Triumeq can cause a worsening of your HBV symptoms. In some cases, Triumeq treatment may also cause you to develop lamivudine-resistant HBV. (Lamivudine is one of the active ingredients* in Triumeq.) Drug resistance can make it harder to treat HBV. For more details, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Risk of serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, Triumeq can cause a serious allergic reaction, which could be life threatening. This was reported in studies of the drug. To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Other warnings

Triumeq may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. (This is known as a drug-condition interaction.) Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Triumeq. Factors to consider include those described below.

Liver problems. If you have moderate to severe liver disease, your doctor will likely not prescribe Triumeq for you. Liver problems can make it harder to remove Triumeq from your body. And Triumeq can cause liver-related side effects, such as worsening liver disease and liver failure.

Tell your doctor if you have hepatitis. They’ll order tests to check your liver function before you begin taking Triumeq and during your treatment. If you have hepatitis B, your doctor will continue to monitor your liver for several months after you stop treatment.

Mental health problems. Tell your doctor if you have mental health problems, such as depression. Triumeq may not be safe for you. Triumeq’s side effects include depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you already have a mental health condition, this drug could make it worse. Talk with your doctor to determine whether Triumeq is safe for you. And let them know right away if you experience any mental health problems. They’ll determine whether you need to stop taking Triumeq.

Risk factors for heart attack, heart problems, or diabetes. If you have certain health conditions, such as diabetes or certain heart problems, tell your doctor. Triumeq can cause a heart attack, and your risk of this may be higher if you have a history of heart problems. Your doctor will talk with you about the safety of taking Triumeq based on your health history.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Triumeq or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask them about other treatments that might be better options.

Kidney problems. If you have serious kidney problems, talk with your doctor. They’ll need to check your kidney function before you start treatment with Triumeq. Kidney problems can make it harder to remove Triumeq from your body. This buildup of the drug can increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor will determine whether Triumeq is safe for you.

Alcohol and Triumeq

Drinking alcohol while taking Triumeq can slow the removal of abacavir from your body. Abacavir is an active ingredient in Triumeq, one of three that makes the drug work. A buildup of abacavir can increase your risk of side effects, such as headache, liver damage, nausea, and dizziness. Talk with your doctor about how much, if any, alcohol is safe to consume while you’re taking Triumeq.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Triumeq

Triumeq is not safe to take during the first trimester (0 to 13 weeks) of pregnancy. This is because dolutegravir can cause brain and spinal problems in a fetus during this period of growth. Dolutegravir is an active ingredient in Triumeq, one of three that makes the drug work.

Your doctor will likely give you a pregnancy test before you start Triumeq to make sure you’re not pregnant. They’ll also ask you to use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy throughout your treatment with this drug. Males* with a sex partner should also use effective birth control.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have HIV, your doctor will discuss whether Triumeq is safe for you. If they determine it’s not, they’ll recommend other safer treatment options.

If you’re taking Triumeq while pregnant, consider signing up for the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. A registry keeps track of information about the safety of a medication taken during pregnancy. This information helps researchers and doctors learn more about the drug’s effects during pregnancy.

Call 800-258-4263 or talk with your doctor for more information about this registry.

Breastfeeding is not recommended if you have HIV. This virus may pass through breastmilk to a child. Talk with your doctor about other healthy ways to feed your child.

* In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to sex assigned at birth. To learn more about differences between gender and sex, see this article.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Triumeq treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Taking notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Triumeq affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Triumeq is used to treat HIV. Like most drugs, Triumeq can cause mild to serious side effects. If you have questions about side effects this drug can cause, talk with your doctor. Examples of questions to help get you started include:

  • Does my risk of side effects depend on my dosage of Triumeq?
  • Do I have a higher risk of a serious allergic reaction when I begin treatment?
  • How do the side effects of Triumeq compare to Biktarvy?

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

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.