Reydin is a single daily tablet combining three HIV medicines — tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir. It is the standard first-line HIV treatment in South Africa, usually called TLD. One tablet, once a day, is a complete regimen.
What is Reydin?
Reydin is a Schedule 4 film-coated tablet listed in the South African Medicine Price Registry containing:
| Ingredient | Amount | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate | 300 mg | NRTI |
| Lamivudine | 300 mg | NRTI |
| Dolutegravir | 50 mg | Integrase inhibitor |
This combination is known as TLD, and it is the backbone of South Africa’s public sector HIV programme.
HIV treatment always uses at least three medicines from at least two classes, because the virus mutates rapidly and a single agent — or two — allows resistance to develop. Reydin puts a complete regimen into one tablet.
The three work at different points:
Tenofovir and lamivudine are NRTIs. HIV must convert its RNA into DNA using reverse transcriptase; these resemble the natural building blocks that enzyme uses, and when incorporated they halt the chain.
Dolutegravir is an integrase inhibitor. Even with a DNA copy made, HIV must insert it into the host cell’s own DNA using integrase. Dolutegravir blocks that step.
Dolutegravir is what makes this combination as good as it is: it works quickly, has a high barrier to resistance, and is well tolerated. Tenofovir and lamivudine also treat hepatitis B, which matters considerably and is covered below.
One tablet daily is not merely convenient. Adherence is the single biggest determinant of whether HIV treatment succeeds, and a one-pill regimen removes most of the ways a day’s dose gets missed.
What is Reydin commonly used for?
- Treating HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents — as a complete regimen, not an addition to others.
- First-line treatment for people starting HIV treatment.
- Switching from an older regimen, such as one containing efavirenz.
- Second-line treatment, in some circumstances.
- Hepatitis B alongside HIV, since two of its three components treat hepatitis B as well.
It does not cure HIV. What it does, taken consistently, is suppress the virus until it cannot be detected in the blood. Two consequences follow, and both matter:
Your immune system recovers and stays healthy. People on effective treatment can expect a normal life expectancy.
Undetectable means untransmittable. A sustained undetectable viral load means HIV cannot be passed on sexually. This is well established, and it is one of the strongest reasons to take treatment daily without gaps.
Weight gain is worth mentioning, since it is a common concern. Dolutegravir-based regimens are associated with weight gain in some people, particularly women. Part of this is recovery of health after untreated infection, and part appears to be a drug effect. It is worth raising with your clinician — it is not a reason to stop treatment.
How Reydin fits into this medicine category
| Class | Examples | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-dose combinations | Reydin (TLD), Acriptega | Complete regimen in one tablet |
| NRTIs | Tenofovir, lamivudine, emtricitabine, abacavir | Block copying of viral genetic material |
| Integrase inhibitors | Dolutegravir | Block HIV inserting itself into cell DNA |
| NNRTIs | Efavirenz, doravirine | Block reverse transcriptase differently |
| Protease inhibitors | Lopinavir/ritonavir | Stop new viral particles maturing |
| Hepatitis B treatment | Tenofovir-containing products (Hetemcit) | Hepatitis B, and HIV where both are present |
See the HIV and antiviral medicines hub.
What to check before using Reydin
Certain everyday products can stop it working, and this is the most commonly missed practical point:
- Antacids, and supplements containing calcium, magnesium, iron or zinc bind dolutegravir in the gut. Take Reydin at least two hours before, or six hours after — or with food if your clinician advises that. This includes ordinary indigestion remedies and multivitamins bought without a thought.
Also tell your doctor if you:
- Have hepatitis B. This matters enormously. Two components treat hepatitis B, and stopping them suddenly can cause a severe, sometimes life-threatening hepatitis flare. Everyone should be tested for hepatitis B before starting, and must never stop abruptly.
- Have kidney disease. Tenofovir disoproxil can affect the kidneys; function is checked before starting and monitored during treatment.
- Have liver disease, osteoporosis or a history of fractures.
- Take rifampicin for TB. It lowers dolutegravir levels substantially, and the dose must be adjusted — never assume the usual dose is right while on TB treatment.
- Take carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital or St John’s wort, which also lower its levels.
- Take metformin — dolutegravir raises its levels, and the metformin dose may need reducing.
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Dolutegravir-based treatment is now widely used in pregnancy in South Africa, but this should be a discussed decision.
- Are breastfeeding, or taking any other medicine, supplement or traditional remedy.
Practical points: take it at the same time each day, with or without food; do not double up on a missed dose; and do not run out — contact the clinic before your supply ends.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Common effects include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, difficulty sleeping, unusual dreams, tiredness and dizziness. Most settle within the first weeks.
Seek medical attention for:
- A rash with fever, blistering, mouth ulcers, swollen glands or facial swelling — get emergency help.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, or persistent right-sided abdominal pain — possible liver problems, and particularly important with hepatitis B.
- Reduced urine output, swollen ankles, unusual tiredness, or increased thirst and urination — possible kidney effects.
- New or worsening depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm.
- Bone pain, or a fracture from a minor injury.
- Fever, swollen glands or new symptoms in the first weeks — as the immune system recovers it can react to previously silent infections. This is treatable and is not a sign the medicine is failing.
Get emergency help for deep or rapid breathing, severe muscle pain, feeling very cold with severe abdominal pain — possible lactic acidosis, which is rare but serious.
Contact your clinic if you are struggling to take it every day, for any reason — side effects, work patterns, stigma, transport, cost. Missed doses are how resistance develops, and resistance is far harder to fix than a regimen adjusted early. Clinics deal with this constantly and would much rather hear about it than see a rising viral load.
Do not stop taking it without medical advice, and do not share tablets.
Related medicine guides
Frequently asked questions
What are Reydin tablets used for? Treating HIV-1 infection. It combines tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir in one daily tablet — the regimen known as TLD.
Do I need to take anything else with it? No. Reydin is a complete regimen on its own, which is the point of a fixed-dose combination.
Does it cure HIV? No. It suppresses the virus. Taken consistently it keeps the viral load undetectable, which protects your health and means HIV cannot be sexually transmitted.
Can I take my antacid or multivitamin with it? Not at the same time. Antacids and calcium, magnesium, iron or zinc supplements can stop it working. Separate by at least two hours before or six hours after.
What if I have hepatitis B? Tell your doctor. Two of its components also treat hepatitis B, and stopping suddenly can cause a severe flare. Never stop abruptly.
I’m on TB treatment — is the dose the same? Not necessarily. Rifampicin lowers dolutegravir levels and the dose usually needs adjusting. Tell whoever prescribes either medicine about the other.
What if I miss a dose? Take it as soon as you remember unless the next is nearly due. Never take two at once. If you miss doses often, tell your clinic.
Will it make me gain weight? Dolutegravir-based regimens are associated with weight gain in some people. Raise it with your clinician — it is not a reason to stop treatment.