Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pifeltro.
Blood sugar: Doravirine may cause an increase in blood sugar levels (may cause a loss of blood glucose control) and glucose tolerance may change. People with Diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Pifeltro.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Pifeltro may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pifeltro, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Cholesterol: Doravirine can cause increased blood cholesterol levels. If you are at risk of developing High Cholesterol or you have high cholesterol levels before starting doravirine, discuss with your doctor how Pifeltro may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pifeltro, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Doravirine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by Pifeltro.
Immune reconstitution syndrome: Pifeltro may cause immune reconstitution syndrome, where signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections appear. These symptoms occur soon after starting anti-HIV medication and can vary. They are thought to occur as a result of the immune system improving and being able to fight infections that have been present without symptoms (such as pneumonia, herpes, or Tuberculosis). Report any new symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Stopping the medication: If you stop taking Pifeltro, your HIV infection could get worse. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not stop taking the medication without checking with your doctor first.
Pregnancy: Pifeltro should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Pifeltro, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if doravirine passes into breast milk. Women who have HIV infection should not breast-feed because of the risk of passing HIV to a baby who does not have the infection.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Pifeltro have not been established for children.