Dovato

[cardsfan69]

I am on Genvoya now and I am thinking of switching to Dovato simply to reduce the number of hiv medications I am taking (2 vs 4). Just curious about people's experience taking Dovato. Thanks for the feedback !

[Jim Allen]

I've heard both good and bad stories like with any combo.

There are a good few people asking the same question and people sharing their experiences if you search, below are a few example threads that might be of interest or help:

https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=72985.msg
https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=75674.msg
https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=72157.msg
https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=73135.msg

I'm taking Truimeg myself, which contains the two drugs found in Dovato but with ABC added. The dolutegravir is okay, I love it but it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Anyhow, hope that helps and wish you well if you decide to switch.

Jim

[cardsfan69]

Thanks stud. Just took my first dose of Dovato today.

[Mindless]

Hi,

I switched from generic Complera to generic Dovato (the only available where I live) exactly 1 year ago. I had some troubles with my sleep and dreams the first month but after that things improved.

To me the single best benefit is that I can take it without food, which was mandatory with Complera and causing a lot of hassle.

I was also hoping that my kidney function could improve (borderline high creatine) but after 1 year and 2 blood tests, it's exactly the same. So Complera (Tenofovir) wasn't the culprit as I suspected/ hoped.

For the rest, I don'thave other noticeable side effects and I'm satisfied with the switch.

Good luck

[TGun]

any weight gain or loss? im having a hell of a time with weight gain,, i believe from the genvoya and biktarvy,,,, would a switch to dovato be beneficial to lose weight possibly???

[Matths]

Hi, the weight gain topic is a very complex one with lots of scientific literature on the topic. Therefore, let me stay brief and concise and I can send you the corresponding literature to my brief comments if requested.

Weight gain seems to be linked to the modern INSTIs and TAF specifically. In addition, it appears to me that quite some people in this forum report about this issue when starting with or being switched to biktarvy or other medicines that include TAF.

Personally, I have been on Dovato since this combo was introduced and I have been UD <20, and only minimal weight gain which I attribute more to my laziness than the medicine. So, I will address that with more exercise and am optimistic. Other in this forum have reported that when switching to Dovato the weight gain was halted, but again, loosing weight is a long term project and it will require more than a simple change of medicines to be a successful project. Best Matt

[Mindless]

Regarding the body weight issue.

Firstly, I'm reporting only my personal experience, so I don't have any generally valid conclusions on this topic.

I had slowly started losing weight before I switched to Dovato (from Complera), through exercise and moderate diet. After the switch, one year ago, the weight loss has continued, as well as the exercise and "mindful eating".

I lost about 8/9 kg in 2 years, so it was relatively slow, however I didn't notice particular differences after the switch.

I have to add that I was overweightand very sedentary when I started.

As I said, it's just a personal story, I know that INSTI, such Dolutegravir, are generally reported to cause weight gain.

Hugs