Question 1

What is Juluca?

Accepted Answer

Juluca is a combination medicine that contains dolutegravir and rilpivirine. These two active ingredients belong to classes of drugs known as integrase strand transfer inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

The medication works by interfering with the enzymes the virus needs to replicate, which helps lower the viral load in the body. By reducing the amount of HIV in the blood, the treatment helps the immune system function more effectively.

Question 2

What is Juluca used for?

Accepted Answer

Juluca is used to treat HIV-1 infection .

Question 3

How does Juluca work?

Accepted Answer

Juluca contains two active ingredients, dolutegravir and rilpivirine , which belong to different classes of antiretroviral drugs. These medications work by interfering with the enzymes HIV uses to make copies of itself within the body.

Dolutegravir is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI). It blocks an enzyme called integrase. HIV needs this enzyme to insert its genetic material into the DNA of human immune cells.

Rilpivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It works by binding to and blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This enzyme is necessary for the virus to convert its genetic code into a form that can be integrated into human cells.

By targeting these two separate stages of the viral life cycle, Juluca helps keep the amount of HIV in the blood at a very low level. This helps protect the immune system and prevents the virus from spreading to new cells, although it does not cure the infection.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Juluca?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredients in Juluca are rilpivirine and dolutegravir .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Juluca?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Juluca may include:

Headache

Diarrhea

Nausea

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Juluca?

Accepted Answer

Juluca belongs to the HIV integrase inhibitor and NNRTI combination drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Juluca and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take Juluca

Juluca comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth. It is typically taken once a day at the same time each day. It is important to take this medication with a full meal to ensure the body absorbs it correctly. A protein drink or a light snack is not a substitute for a meal when taking this drug.

The tablet should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this may affect how the medication works.

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose of Juluca, take it as soon as you remember with a meal. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

Consistency

To help manage your condition effectively, do not skip doses or stop taking the medication without consulting a healthcare provider. Maintaining a consistent schedule helps keep the virus under control and prevents the development of resistance.

Question 8

Is Juluca safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of Juluca with your healthcare provider. One of the medicines in Juluca, dolutegravir, may increase the risk of neural tube defects (birth defects of the brain or spine) if taken at the time of conception or during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Your doctor may perform a pregnancy test before you start treatment. If you are able to become pregnant, you should use effective contraception while taking Juluca. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first, as stopping HIV medication can allow the virus level to increase in your body.

There is a pregnancy registry that monitors health outcomes in individuals who take HIV medicines during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients to help collect information about the safety of these drugs.

Breastfeeding

Health experts recommend that individuals with HIV-1 do not breastfeed their infants. This is to prevent the risk of transmitting the virus to the baby through breast milk. It is also unknown if the components of Juluca pass into human breast milk or if they could cause side effects in a nursing infant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the safest way to feed your baby.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Juluca come in?

Accepted Answer

Juluca is supplied as a film-coated tablet. This medication is a combination of antiretroviral drugs provided in a tablet for oral administration.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Juluca?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Juluca was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2017. It is indicated as a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults to replace their current antiretroviral regimen. To be eligible for this switch, patients must meet specific criteria:

They must be virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen for at least 6 months.

They must have no history of treatment failure.

They must have no known resistance to either dolutegravir or rilpivirine.

Regulatory History and Safety Monitoring

Juluca represented a significant regulatory milestone as the first two-drug, fixed-dose complete regimen approved for HIV maintenance therapy, intended to reduce the number of antiretroviral drugs patients need to take daily. Unlike many other HIV medications, Juluca does not carry a Boxed Warning.

The FDA has issued safety communications regarding one of its active ingredients, dolutegravir. In 2018, the FDA alerted the public to a potential risk of neural tube birth defects in infants born to individuals using dolutegravir at the time of conception. This led to updated labeling regarding the use of the medication during pregnancy and for those of childbearing potential.

There is currently no Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) required for Juluca.

Question 11

What should I know about Juluca and cost?

Accepted Answer

Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Costs

The amount a patient pays for Juluca depends largely on their insurance plan. Most commercial insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid plans provide coverage for this medication, but the specific copayment or coinsurance amount is determined by the plan's formulary. Patients with high deductibles may face higher initial costs until their deductible is met.

Generic Availability

Juluca is a brand-name medication containing dolutegravir and rilpivirine. Currently, there is no generic version of this specific combination tablet available. Brand-name medications typically cost more than generic alternatives because they are protected by patents that prevent other companies from manufacturing the same drug for a set period.

Financial Assistance Programs

For individuals who have difficulty affording their medication, several options may be available:

Manufacturer Savings Cards: Patients with private or commercial insurance may be eligible for savings cards provided by the manufacturer to reduce monthly copayments.

Patient Assistance Programs: Uninsured or underinsured individuals may qualify for programs that provide the medication at little or no cost based on financial need.

Non-Profit Organizations: Various foundations offer grants or assistance to help patients cover the costs of HIV treatments.

It is recommended that patients consult with their pharmacist or healthcare provider to explore available cost-saving options and verify coverage with their insurance provider.

Juluca

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

Additional Resources

Support & Help Resources

Found an Error?