Triumeq is unlikely to cause erectile dysfunction (ED), and ED is not listed as a side effect in the product information nor reported in post-marketing data – these are studies done after a drug has been approved. A review concluded that newer HIV combination treatments in use today have no clear-cut association with ED. Older HIV agents, such as zalcitabine (no longer in use) and enfuvirtide (rarely used) were known to cause ED. Using abacavir and raltegravir together had a weak association with ED, but no protease inhibitors appear to increase the risk. Triumeq contains three antivirals: abacavir and lamivudine (both nucleoside analogs), and dolutegravir (an integrase inhibitor).

ED is unusually common among men with HIV, regardless of what medication they are on, and in one study 25% reported experiencing ED often or sometimes during the preceding 6 months. Other research has indicated around 40 to 60% of men with HIV may have some form of ED. ED is more likely to occur in older patients, those who have had HIV for several years, a lower CD4 count when first diagnosed, or who have depression or diabetes.

ED has many different physical and psychological causes and may be associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, low testosterone levels, smoking, obesity, alcohol and drug use, anxiety, or depression. If you develop ED and you have HIV, see your doctor for a thorough assessment, that includes an investigation of your cardiovascular and mental health. Lose weight if you are overweight, exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake, and don’t smoke.

Triumeq is a fixed-dose combination tablet that contains three antivirals: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine, which may be used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and children weighing at least 40 kg (88 pounds).