Specification | |
US Brand Name | Duovir- N |
Strength | (150+200+300)mg |
Generic Name | Lamivudine, Nevirapine and Zidovudine |
Manufacturer | Cipla + Torrent |
Pharmaceutical Form | Capusles |
What is Lamivudine & Zidovudine?
Lamivudine & Zidovudine, also sold under the brands Combivir
and Duovir among several other trade names is an antiviral medication
consisting of two active ingredients Lamivudine & Zidovudine. This
medication belongs to a group of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase
inhibitors that prevent the HIV virus from reproducing in the body.
Lamivudine & Zidovudine is prescribed
for the treatment of HIV that causes the disease called acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. However, this medication will not cure the
body of HIV or AIDS. This medication may also be given for conditions not
mentioned here.
Important Information about
Lamivudine & Zidovudine
Do not take Lamivudine & Zidovudine anti viral or HIV drug
(Combivir, Duovir) if you have a known allergy to it or any medicine that has
lamivudine, zidovudine, or emtricitabine. Also, do not take this medication
with other medicines that contain lamivudine or zidovudine.
Lactic acidosis has been observed in some people who took
Lamivudine & Zidovudine. Initial symptoms of lactic acidosis may
deteriorate over time and can prove fatal. Hence you must get medical attention
right away on first signs of lactic acidosis such as muscle pain or weakness,
numb or cold feeling in the limbs, breathing trouble, stomach pain, or nausea
with vomiting.
Lamivudine & Zidovudine can also cause severe or life
threatening damage to your liver. Seek medical attention right away if you have
any of the following symptoms of liver damage: sever pain in upper stomach
which advances to the back, nausea and vomiting, fast heartbeats, itching, loss
of appetite, dark urine, clay colored stools, or jaundice.
Lamivudine & Zidovudine can lower the count of white blood
cells, the component of blood that helps the body to fight infections. You must
take necessary precautions to avoid getting infected such as not being near
sick people or avoiding activities that increases the risk of bleeding. Let
your doctor know right away if you get any signs of an infection while taking
this medication.
Lamivudine is an FDA pregnancy category C drug. It is not known
if it can harm an unborn baby if taken while being pregnant. HIV can be
transmitted to your baby if you are not treated properly during pregnancy. This
medication can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Do not take this
medication if you are breast feeding. Breast feeding is however, not
recommended for HIV positive women as they can pass the virus to their baby.
You must notify your doctor in advance about your pregnancy, any plans for
pregnancy and if you breast feed.
If you have Hepatitis B, you may develop liver symptoms even
after stopping Lamivudine & Zidovudine and the symptoms may be seen for
months after stopping. You may be required to take regular tests to monitor
your liver function.
Before taking Lamivudine &
Zidovudine
Before taking Lamivudine & Zidovudine, take care of all
precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts
which you may have about this drug.
To be sure that Lamivudine & Zidovudine is safe for you,
inform your doctor in advance if you have any of the following conditions:
kidney disease, bone marrow suppression, or if you have used other HIV drugs in
the past.
How should I take Lamivudine &
Zidovudine?
Take Lamivudine & Zidovudine HIV/AIDS medication (Combivir,
Duovir) strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the
instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your
doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the
prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer
the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication.
You may take Lamivudine & Zidovudine with or without food.
HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Always take the
prescribed drugs as directed by your doctor. Store this medication in a cool
and dry place. Always store Lamivudine & Zidovudine in a cool and dry place.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Lamivudine & Zidovudine, take it as
soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next
dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess
medication in your body which can be harmful.
What if I overdose?
In case of an overdose of Lamivudine & Zidovudine, get
emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately. Overdose can cause
some of the side effects listed below in this guide.
Things and Activities to avoid while
taking Lamivudine & Zidovudine
Lamivudine & Zidovudine can lower the count of white blood
cells, the component of blood that helps the body to fight infections. You must
take necessary precautions to avoid getting infected such as not being near
sick people or avoiding activities that increases the risk of bleeding. Let
your doctor know right away if you get any signs of an infection while taking
this medication.
Lamivudine & Zidovudine will not help
your body get rid of HIV/AIDS. It will stop the growth and multiplication of
the virus. Chances of spreading the HIV will still remain the same through
unprotected sex, infected razors or toothbrush. Hence, avoid these activities
and things.
Lamivudine & Zidovudine Side Effects
Some common side effects of Lamivudine & Zidovudine are
nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, or diarrhea. If any of these
effects persist or deteriorate, seek medical attention right away.
Some people may experience a deteriorating of a previous medical
condition as their immune system recovers, or develop new conditions due to
overactive immune system. Let your doctor known right away if you develop any
new condition or any of you existing conditions worsen.
Lactic acidosis has been observed in some people who took
Lamivudine & Zidovudine. Initial symptoms of lactic acidosis may
deteriorate over time and can prove fatal. Hence you must get medical attention
right away on first signs of lactic acidosis such as muscle pain or weakness,
numb or cold feeling in the limbs, breathing trouble, stomach pain, or nausea
with vomiting.
Lamivudine & Zidovudine can also cause severe or life
threatening damage to your liver or pancreas. Seek medical attention right away
if you have any of the following symptoms of liver or pancreas damage: sever
pain in upper stomach which advances to the back, nausea and vomiting, fast
heartbeats, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay colored stools, or
jaundice.
The side effects mentioned above are not the only ones that you
may experience or witness due to Lamivudine & Zidovudine. If you get any
serious side effects due to this medication, contact your doctor right away.
Lamivudine & Zidovudine Dosing
Information
Lamivudine & Zidovudine dosage may depend on a range of
factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among
several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after
examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for
best results.
Interaction with other drugs
Inform your doctor if you use any of the following drugs: anti
viral drugs such as ganciclovir, anti cancer drugs such as doxorubicin,
interferons, or sulfa drugs. These drugs can potentially interact with
Lamivudine & Zidovudine. However, these are not all the possible drugs that
can interact with Lamivudine & Zidovudine. There may be others. You must
inform your doctor in advance if you use any medicines or related products.
Never start a new medicine without consulting a doctor first.