dolutegravir/lamivudine
Dovato combines dolutegravir and lamivudine into a single daily tablet from ViiV Healthcare for HIV-1 infection in adults. Dolutegravir blocks the viral integrase enzyme that splices HIV genes into host DNA, while lamivudine stops reverse transcriptase from copying the viral genome; together they suppress HIV with a two-drug regimen.
This page is based on FDA prescribing information for dolutegravir and MedlinePlus patient guidance for the dolutegravir–lamivudine combination; the mechanism is explained in plain language, and analogies are used only where they stay accurate.
How it works
Explains what the medicine does in the body, not dosing, side effects, or safety.
An analogy
HIV is like a spy that needs to copy its secret message and then file it into the cell's own records. Dolutegravir jams the filing cabinet so the spy cannot store the message, and lamivudine hands the spy a pen that runs out of ink mid-sentence. With both steps blocked, the virus cannot set up shop inside the cell.
In simple terms
Dolutegravir and lamivudine are two medicines that work together to treat HIV. Dolutegravir blocks an enzyme called integrase, which HIV needs to insert its genetic material into the DNA of infected cells. Lamivudine blocks another enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which HIV uses to make DNA copies of its own RNA genome. With both enzymes blocked, the virus cannot make new copies of itself or hide inside the body's cells. The combination is taken as a single tablet once daily and is used in adults with HIV-1 who have not previously been treated or who are switching from a stable regimen with the virus fully suppressed.
In depth
Dolutegravir is a second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) that chelates the two magnesium ions in the HIV-1 integrase active site, blocking the strand transfer step in which viral DNA is inserted into host chromosomal DNA. Lamivudine (3TC) is a cytidine nucleoside analogue that, after intracellular phosphorylation to lamivudine triphosphate, competes with deoxycytidine triphosphate for incorporation by HIV reverse transcriptase and causes DNA chain termination. The two-drug regimen maintains virological suppression comparable to three-drug regimens in treatment-naive adults and in virologically suppressed adults switching therapy, while reducing cumulative drug exposure.
See it in motion
A schematic animation of the mechanism — simplified for clarity, not drawn to scale.
HIV is like a spy that needs to copy its secret message and then file it into the cell's own records.
- Dolutegravir and lamivudine are two medicines that work together to treat HIV.
- Dolutegravir blocks an enzyme called integrase, which HIV needs to insert its genetic material into the DNA of infected cells.
- Lamivudine blocks another enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which HIV uses to make DNA copies of its own RNA genome.
- With both enzymes blocked, the virus cannot make new copies of itself or hide inside the body's cells.
Target: HIV-1 integrase and reverse transcriptase
Integrase inserts viral DNA into the host cell's chromosomes, a step required for persistent infection; reverse transcriptase converts the viral RNA genome into DNA before integration. Dovato blocks both enzymes.
Approved uses
Approved uses differ by country and change over time. Always follow your local prescribing information.
Approved uses in United States
FDA- Dolutegravir is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults (treatment-naive or treatment-experienced)
Approved uses in United States
MedlinePlus- The combination of dolutegravir and lamivudine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in certain people
- Dolutegravir is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) and lamivudine is a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI); they work together to decrease the amount of HIV in the blood
Official sources
The statements on this page trace back to these records.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: TIVICAY (dolutegravir) prescribing information
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- MedlinePlus: dolutegravir and lamivudine
MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
This page explains how the medicine works — it isn’t the patient leaflet. For anything that applies to you, read the leaflet that came with your medicine or ask your pharmacist.
MedUnfold provides educational content and is not medical advice. Always follow your local prescribing information and healthcare professional.