A low rate of side effects
DELSTRIGO has a low rate of side effects. In a study of adults who were new to treatment, the most common side effects over 96 weeks were the following:
- 7% of participants had dizziness
- 5% of participants had nausea
- 5% of participants had abnormal dreams
These are not all the possible side effects of DELSTRIGO.
In this study, fewer patients stopped taking DELSTRIGO than Atripla because of side effects:
Some side effects can be serious
DELSTRIGO can cause serious side effects, including: worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV). If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking DELSTRIGO, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking DELSTRIGO without first talking to your health care provider, as they will need to monitor your health. Your health care provider should test you for HBV infection before you start treatment with DELSTRIGO.
Serious side effects can also include:
- New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your health care provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and during treatment. They may tell you to stop taking DELSTRIGO if you develop new or worsening kidney problems.
- Bone problems, such as bone pain and softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures), in some people who take DELSTRIGO. Your health care provider may need to do tests to check your bones.
- Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms during treatment with DELSTRIGO: bone pain that does not go away or worsening bone pain; pain in your arms, legs, hands or feet; broken (fractured) bones; or muscle pain or weakness. These may be symptoms of a bone or kidney problem.
- Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your health care provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine.
For those concerned about cholesterol
HIV-1 may have a negative impact on your bad cholesterol (LDL-C). In a study of adults who were new to treatment, DELSTRIGO did not raise bad cholesterol, while Atripla did.
At week 48, the effects on bad cholesterol (LDL-C) were:
The effects on bad cholesterol at week 96 were similar to those seen at week 48.
The benefit of these changes has not been demonstrated.