Question
What is the difference between Luvigen and Volutrip?
4 May 2023. Related: Access to treatment, All topics.
Hi, what Is the difference between Volutrip pills and Luvigen pills? Each time when I get my meds at the clinic and if it’s Volutrip I gain weight but when it’s Luvigen I lose weight…
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Luvigen and Volutrip are the same medication. They are both generic combinations of TLD.
This means they are made by different manufacturers. This explains why they have different names and look different. But this does not change what medications are used in the drug.
Both Luvigen and Volutrip contain tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir. As they contain the same active drugs it would not suggest that switching between the two would cause different side effects.
How much weight do you lose/gain when you change over from one drug to the other? and how long do you remain on one named version before being switched? Have you noticed anything else in your life that could effect your weight e.g., diet changes, exercise changes and/or increased stress?
Josh.
Hi Thabi, Volutrip is a generic HIV combination that is also called TLD:
https://i-base.info/guides/12423
Weight gain has been reported as a side effect, especially in African women. Although studies have not shown a good way to lose this weight, trying a different treatment might help. For example, and older HIV comvination using efavirenz instead of dolutegravir, night have less impact on weight.
Good evening
Since I started taking Volutrip, I hav notice changes on my body, I’m gaining a lot of weight. I’m very active in terms of physical training and I drink a lot of water every day.
I need to find out if it’s the treatment that is the cause of gaining weight
Hi Emmanuel, at i-base we are not doctors and cannot provide medical advise. This is a conversation you need to have with your prescribing doctor. It is a good sign that there is no protein in your urine. Your doctor will be able to investigate you suitably for what might be causing your symptoms.
Good morning Josh
I am on TLD, my last viral load was undetectable. Recently, i started having a foamy intone. Have gone to lab, but there is no protein in my urine. I also have abdominal pains despite my H pylori being negative. I am seriously worried, do you suggest it is still safe to still be on TLD or do I need to change drugs.