Is Triumeq a protease inhibitor?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on July 31, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

No, Triumeq is not a protease inhibitor. It is a combination integrase inhibitor (dolutegravir) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (abacavir / lamivudine) used in the treatment of people living with HIV. It comes as an oral tablet taken once a day and is used in adults and in children who weigh at least 40 kg (88 lbs).

Triumeq contains a fixed dose of three antiviral medicines: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine. You may see the name Triumeq abbreviated ABC / DTG / 3TC.
Dolutegravir is classified as an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), often just called an integrase inhibitor. Tivicay is the brand name of dolutegravir as a single agent.
Abacavir / lamivudine is classified as a nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It is also available as a brand name, 2-drug combination called Epzicom.
Triumeq is manufactured by ViiV Healthcare.

integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) work by blocking integrase, an enzyme needed for HIV to multiple in the body. HIV uses integrase to insert its viral DNA into the human CD4 cell (a T cell, or white blood cell). CD4 cells are important to help fight infections, but their numbers drop with HIV. HIV cannot make copies (replicate) when integrase is blocked by the integrase inhibitor.

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) work by blocking reverse transcriptase, an enzyme also used for HIV replication. HIV uses reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into DNA in the cell. When reverse transcriptase is blocked the virus cannot make copies of itself.

In studies looking at Triumeq for HIV treatment, 71% of patients were able to reach an undetectable level of virus in their blood (fewer than 50 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood).

A person's initial HIV regimen generally includes 2 or 3 antiretrovirals (HIV medicines) from at least two different drug classes. This generally includes two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus a third agent (a protease inhibitor, an integrase inhibitor or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor), and possibly a boosting agent.

Two-drug complete regimens are also now available for patients who have never taken HIV drugs before. Combination agents can ease treatment regimens and help patients adhere to their long-term medication schedule.

This is not all the information you need to know about Triumeq (abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Triumeq information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

Triumeq vs Genvoya. How do they compare?

Both Triumeq and Genvoya are combination one-tablet-a-day medicines that are considered first-line treatments for HIV-1 by the HHS guidelines. Because Triumeq does not contain cobicistat, an antiviral booster, it is less likely to interact with other medications and may have fewer side effects than Genvoya. People taking Genvoya do not need to be tested for the HLA-B*5701 gene, because it does not contain abacavir. Continue reading

How long does it take for Triumeq to work?

Triumeq works quickly to suppress the HIV-1 virus and some people have reported an undetectable viral load within a month of starting Triumeq (this corresponds to an HIV‑1 RNA level of fewer than 50 copies/mL); however, results can vary among individuals. Research has shown that after 48 weeks of treatment, 88% of people had undetectable HIV‑1 RNA levels and after 144 weeks, 71% of patients have undetectable HIV-1 RNA. Continue reading

Does Triumeq cause weight gain?

Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Triumeq that has been reported in post-marketing reports – these are studies done after a drug has been approved. Weight gain was not noted as a side effect of Triumeq in clinical trials and is not documented as a side effect in the product information. Recent studies report that one in six people starting HIV treatment gain at least 10% in body weight over one to two years. The risk is higher in people who start treatment with a combination that contains the integrase inhibitors dolutegravir, bictegravir, or elvitegravir, or the NRTI tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Trimueq contains dolutegravir. Continue reading

Is Triumeq a protease inhibitor?

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