Question
Can women use Luvigen if they want to become pregnant?
15 April 2022. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
Why is Luvigen not recommended for women who are planning to be pregnant?
Also I would like to understand the meaning behind “you can still pass HIV while taking Luvigen, it has not been proven that the risk of passing infection is lowered by effective antiretroviral therapy”.
Answer
Hi there
Thanks for these questions – all really important.
For the first question about pregnancy has changed over the last few years.
A few years ago there was a concern that the risk of serious problems for the baby. This was from taking dolutegravir when they became pregnant and during the first four week of the pregnancy.
Further research showed that the risks are now much lower than was first thought.
Please talk to your doctor about your plans. Some countries now recommend Luvigen (and dolutegravir() for everyone. A few countries might suggest using a different drug to become pregnant and then switch to Luvigen after the first weeks of pregnancy,
The second question is also a good one. This is because the information that comes with your meds is not up-to-date. Any HIV meds that reduce your viral load to undetectable (less than 200 copies/mL) will definitely prevent HIV transmission.
This is called U=U and all guidelines agree this is true.
The drug company information needs to be changed to recognise this. See:
https://i-base.info/u-equals-u
Hi Banzi, what meds were you on before Luvigen? and since switching you have noticed no changes with your weight?
What time of the day are you taking Luvigen? As it contains dolutegravir, taking it later in the day can cause problems sleeping. Taking Luvigen earlier in the day can help avoid this and improve your sleep.
As you are happy on your treatment, this is what you should mention to your doctor. As you are doing well on this combination it is in the best interest of yourself and your doctor to remain on this treatment.
Luvigen is a generic version of TLD. This means it can have different names and look different but it will work the same. Other names of Luvigen for future reference can be found here: https://i-base.info/guides/14970
I started using luvigen about 2months back and it’s treating me better then the one they gave me before I ve gain weight, I have appetite just that I’m very sleepy but I’m not complaining I currently luv my body.. how can I ask my doctor to not change me in between meds