Kocitaf is a once-daily oral antiretroviral medication used for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. It is a fixed-dose combination of three active drugs: dolutegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. Each of these agents plays a unique and important role in stopping the replication of the virus, helping to keep it under control and allowing the immune system to recover. Kocitaf is typically prescribed for adults and adolescents who are either new to HIV therapy or looking for a simplified treatment plan.

Mechanism of Action:
Kocitaf works by blocking multiple steps in the life cycle of HIV, preventing it from multiplying and spreading in the body:

• Dolutegravir is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor. It blocks the viral integrase enzyme, which is responsible for inserting the virus’s genetic material into the DNA of human immune cells. Without integration, the virus cannot reproduce.

• Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. It mimics one of the natural building blocks of DNA, becoming part of the viral DNA chain and causing it to stop growing prematurely.

• Tenofovir alafenamide is a prodrug of tenofovir, another reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Once activated inside the body’s cells, it blocks the reverse transcriptase enzyme, a crucial step in the replication of the virus.

  Uses:
  Kocitaf is indicated for:

  • The treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents weighing at least thirty-five kilograms.

  • It is suitable for both people starting HIV treatment and those who are already virologically suppressed and wish to switch to a more convenient regimen.

  Adverse Effects:
  Kocitaf is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it may cause side effects in some individuals. The most commonly reported include:

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Fatigue