Abacavir / dolutegravir / lamivudine and Nausea: What Users Say

• SF5...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2015

For HIV Infection "I recently found out about my positive status on 8/28/14. My prior HIV test was on 8/6/13, and it was negative, so I believe I contracted it at some point in 2014. I didn't start Triumeq until 12/28/14. The first 2 days, about 15 minutes after taking the pill, I had a slight headache and minimal nausea. Nothing unbearable, though. I haven't had any serious side effects, and the headaches and nausea no longer occur; again, I have only been on this for a little over a week. It does seem like my digestive system is more active. I used to go to the restroom every other day; now it seems I have to go every morning. Other than that, I haven't had any other issues. CD4 is 840, Viral 1170 on initial labs."

• HIV...
• February 24, 2017

For HIV Infection "I have been HIV positive for about 32 years. The last cocktail I was taking for about 8 years was Epzicom and Combivir. A year ago, I changed my regimen to Triumeq. Initially, the side effects I experienced were sleeplessness, nausea, and stomach gas, these symptoms lasted for about 3 months. Due to the sleeplessness, I started taking the medication in the mornings instead of the evenings. The first positive thing I noticed was that my skin became more hydrated and I had less skin eruptions. After one year on the medication, I feel very normal, I continue to work out 3 times a week and my energy level is high. My viral load remains undetectable and my CD4 went from 800 to 1,150. I am very happy that I made the switch to Triumeq."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2015

For HIV Infection "I've been on this medication for about 6 weeks now. This is the first medication I have used, as I just received a diagnosis as positive about 2 months ago. At that time, my viral load was 10,600, and when we just tested at 5 weeks, it was undetectable ("

• Ro2...
• July 22, 2017

For HIV Infection "Diagnosed in Feb of 2015 and tried 2 other drugs. The last 2 caused so much nausea and vomiting that I couldn't take it. Also, it was messing up my liver. My doctor put me on this, and I've had little to no side effects. I have nausea, but that's only if I take it on an empty stomach, and it only lasts for about 20 minutes. I'm undetectable now, and my CD4 count came from 14 to 376 the last time I checked last year. I'm going back in September to check my progress. This drug saved my life. I was basically on my deathbed before this drug."

• Ano...
• October 28, 2015

For HIV Infection "I got diagnosed very early, within 7 days after getting infected. Decided to start therapy right away. Before taking Triumeq: 10,000,000 viral load (they explained that since I was diagnosed very early, this number can be very high the first 1-2-3 months). CD4 - 520. After 1.5 months of taking Triumeq: viral load: 50 (just 50!!!!) and CD4 - 819. I had and have sometimes some light side effects: feeling tired/sleepy, nausea (when taking on an empty stomach), some problem with skin (acne). With time, it's getting better, and now I experience side effects very seldom. I'm glad this medicine works well for me and seems like my body got used to it."

• Laz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2017

For HIV Infection "I was born with HIV, my birth mother transferred it and had it all my life. Never taken medicine, my immune system dropped drastically. I got a thrush in my mouth, and my skin started to break out really bad. I've been on Triumeq for 3 days, and I must say I think I'm only taking this medicine with food. Geez, the nausea has been tough and a little loss of appetite. I did have to use antifungals as well due to the thrush, but hoping it does get better. I'm excited for this journey, it's encouraging to read other stories..."

• Ale...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 28, 2017

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed in Feb 2014. My doctor did some sort of genes/DNA test to see which drug was compatible for my body. Triumeq was the best option suited for me. Must admit, at first, it was hard. The first month was as expected: feeling sick and nausea. Felt like I had to eat when I took my pill. But once into the 2nd month, things improved. The longer time went on, the less I felt any side effects. It took me 4 months to be undetected. By this time, I felt myself again. Now, in 2017, I can take my meds with or without food. At any time, sometimes I will take my meds with wine or on a completely empty stomach and feel nothing. I can still take my meds and have no side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2016

For HIV Infection "I have only been on it for 3 days now after being on Atripla for 7 months. I was switched because I also have Hep C, and the treatment for that does not coincide with Atripla. These first few days have been kinda tough and go with stomach pain and nausea. I'm putting up with it, my body getting used to the switch of meds and hope in a couple of days those feelings go away. No problems with sleeping or anything else. The cost is high, but with copay card and insurance, there is no out-of-pocket expense."

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 29, 2016

For HIV Infection "My big concern with this drug has been a drastic decrease in my level of energy and occasional nausea. Had been on Stribild but started messing up my kidney labs. I had my Zoloft and Lamictal increased to help with my mood, but no improvement yet."

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2017

For HIV Infection "I discovered my new status in July 2017: VL 94K and CD4 126. After 4 weeks, I had blood work again, and I got awesome results: VL 85 and CD4 360. Hopefully, I will be undetectable in my next check. I haven't gotten any symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, etc. This medicine has been working greatly in my body."

• Sco...
• February 11, 2017

For HIV Infection "Diagnosed 5 years ago, been on Truvada and Isentress with no problems at all!! Doctor wanted to switch me to this because it's a lot easier (1 pill once a day). Been on this for the past week and have had horrible side effects. Dizzy, no sleep, nauseous, and body/joint pain. Switching back to my old medication tomorrow. Goodbye Triumeq!!!"

• Anonymous
• August 14, 2021

For HIV Infection "I'm not one of those people who read labels and automatically think that I'm going to have side effects. After feeling nauseated, skin itching, tiredness, and other side effects, I decided to check. I basically had every symptom listed. Once I stopped using Triumeq, I felt relief and was switched to Genvoya without incident."

• D20...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2015

For HIV Infection "I have had nausea, and I threw up too. I hope those side effects stop as time passes. Also, I have been feeling a little tired and almost puked on my partner in bed."