Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil
About
Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines used to treat HIV infection. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help in fighting infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses.
Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is a combination of two drugs, namely: Lamivudine and Tenofovir disoproxil. Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, whereas Tenofovir disoproxil is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil works by interfering with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes which are necessary for the reproduction of the virus. Together, Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil helps in treating HIV infection.
You are advised to take Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and rash. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Practise safe sex and other necessary precautions as Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil does not prevent the spread of HIV infection. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended for children below 18 years. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to prevent any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil
Medicinal Benefits
Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines used to treat HIV infection. Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is a combination of two drugs, namely: Lamivudine and Tenofovir disoproxil. Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, whereas Tenofovir disoproxil is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil works by interfering with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes which are necessary for the reproduction of the virus. Together, Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil helps in treating HIV infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness
- Rash
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have a history of hepatitis B or C infection, bone problems, pancreas disorder, kidney or liver problems or if you are older than 65 years. Practise safe sex and other necessary precautions as Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil does not prevent the spread of HIV infection. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended for children below 18 years. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms of infection or inflammation.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may interact with anti-HIV (ritonavir, darunavir), anti-fungal (amphotericin B), anti-viral (foscarnet, ganciclovir, cidofovir), antimicrobial (pentamidine), antibiotic (vancomycin), anti-cancer (interleukin-2), immunosuppressant (tacrolimus).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have hepatitis B, pancreatitis, bone problems, kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil as it may pass into breastmilk.
Driving
cautionLamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause dizziness. So, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeLamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended for children below 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practise safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
- Never share personal items with body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
- Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.
- Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as vegetables and fruit as it helps to boost your immune system. Opt for lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
- Eat bland and low-fat foods and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
- Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with family or by doing whatever makes you happy.
Special Advise
- Get HIV test done for at least every 3 months.
- Regular kidney and liver function tests, bone mineral density test while taking Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is advised.
- Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil might affect laboratory test results, inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil.
- Regularly get blood and urine tests done while taking Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help in fighting infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition, and there is no definite cure for it. However, it can be controlled by treating it with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is a combination of two drugs, namely: Lamivudine and Tenofovir disoproxil. Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil works by interfering with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes which are necessary for the reproduction of the virus. Together, Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil helps in treating HIV infection.
Do not stop taking Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil without consulting your doctor as it may reduce the effectiveness of anti-HIV therapy. Continue taking Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil.
Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil might cause lactic acidosis (excess of lactic acid in the blood), a rare but severe side effect, especially in women who are obese and people with liver disease. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, and deep rapid breathing, as these could be the signs of lactic acidosis.
Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil does not cure HIV infection. You may still develop other illnesses and infections associated with HIV infection. Take necessary precautions, as you can pass on HIV to others.
Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause bone problems such as osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to loss of blood supply to the bone). Regular bone density test is advised while taking Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil. For good bone health, take calcium and vitamin D supplements as told by the doctor. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience aches, pain, joint stiffness, and difficulty in movement, as these could be signs of osteonecrosis.
Even though the risk of infecting others is lowered by Lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil, you can still pass on HIV while taking it. Therefore, it is important to take necessary precautions to avoid infecting others.
