Lamivudine+zidovudine
About
Lamivudine+zidovudine belongs to the class of medicines called 'anti-retroviral agents', used for the treatment of immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It only prevents the virus from multiplying in your body.
Lamivudine+zidovudine contains lamivudine and zidovudine. Lamivudine+zidovudine works by preventing HIV (virus) from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in your body. They also increase the CD4 cell (white blood cells that protect against infection) count in your blood.
Take Lamivudine+zidovudine as advised by your doctor. Lamivudine+zidovudine may cause common side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, headache, fatigue, cough, a feeling of discomfort, and nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Most of these side effects gradually resolve over time and do not require medical attention. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor immediately.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components in Lamivudine+zidovudine. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you have kidney, liver, or pancreatic disease. Please tell your doctor if you have a low red blood cell count (anaemia), low white blood cell count (neutropenia), osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply), or lactic acidosis.
Uses of Lamivudine+zidovudine
Medicinal Benefits
Lamivudine+zidovudine contains a combination of two medicines, namely: lamivudine and zidovudine, that belong to the group of medications called anti-retroviral agents. Lamivudine+zidovudine is primarily used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Lamivudine+zidovudine works by preventing HIV (virus) from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in your body. They also increase the CD4 cell (white blood cells that protect against infection) count in your blood.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lamivudine+zidovudine
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Lack of energy
- Fever (high temperature)
- Headache
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Muscle pain and discomfort
- Joint pain
- Feeling of discomfort
- Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
- Irritated or runny nose
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components in Lamivudine+zidovudine. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you have kidney, liver, pancreatic, or bone marrow suppression. Please tell your doctor if you have a low red blood cell count (anaemia), low white blood cell count (neutropenia), osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply), lactic acidosis, or opportunistic infections. Lamivudine+zidovudine may cause muscle disorders, especially when used for a long period. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any disease of the muscles or muscle weakness. If you experience muscle pain or muscle weakness, call your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Lamivudine+zidovudine may interact with other antiretroviral (didanosine, efavirenz), antibiotic (atovaquone, clarithromycin, ganciclovir), anti-fungal (cotrimoxazole, fluconazole), anti-mycobacterial (rifampicin), anti-convulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid), anti-histamines (ranitidine, cimetidine), cytotoxics (cladribine), opioids (methadone), uricosuric (probenecid), anti-cancer (methotrexate), anti-lipemic (atorvastatin, fenofibrate), anti-psychotic (clozapine).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before taking Lamivudine+zidovudine, let your doctor know if you have any kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatic disease, bone marrow suppression, low red blood cell count (anaemia), low white blood cell count (neutropenia), osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply), lactic acidosis or muscle disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLamivudine+zidovudine with alcohol can cause unpleasant side effects. So please consult your doctor before consumption of alcohol while taking Lamivudine+zidovudine.
Pregnancy
cautionLamivudine+zidovudine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionLamivudine+zidovudine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the drug or breastfeeding based on your clinical condition.
Driving
cautionLamivudine+zidovudine may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
Liver
cautionLamivudine+zidovudine should be used with caution in liver patients due to the increased risk of worsening the patient's condition. So please consult your doctor before taking Lamivudine+zidovudine.
Kidney
cautionLamivudine+zidovudine should be used with caution in kidney patients due to the increased risk of serious side effects. So please consult your doctor before taking Lamivudine+zidovudine.
Children
cautionLamivudine+zidovudine should be used with caution in Children. Your doctor may prescribe Lamivudine+zidovudine by adjusting the dose based on the height and weight of the children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
- Choose lean, low-fat sources of protein.
- Limit sweets, soft drinks, and foods with added sugar.
- Take proteins, carbohydrates, and a good little fat in all meals and snacks in your regular diet.
- Avoid eating raw eggs, meats, or seafood (including sushi and oysters/shellfish).
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Use a separate cutting board for raw meats.
- Wash hands, utensils, and cutting boards with soap and water after each use.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and quit smoking.
Special Advise
- Skipping doses of Lamivudine+zidovudine may increase the risk of treatment failure. Make sure that you take all your doses at the correct time.
- Always practice safe sex while taking Lamivudine+zidovudine. Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
- Exercise regularly and take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor because Lamivudine+zidovudine may cause the weakening of your bones.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus): HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, recurrent fevers, night sweats, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, skin rashes, recurrent oral or vaginal yeast infections, and pneumonia. The human immunodeficiency virus causes HIV infection. You can get HIV from contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Most people get the virus by having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV.
FAQs
Lamivudine+zidovudine works by preventing HIV (virus) from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in your body. They also increase the CD4 cell (white blood cells that protect against infection) count in your blood.
Lamivudine+zidovudine should be used with proper caution and doctor consultation if you have kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatic disease, low red blood cell count (anaemia), low white blood cell count (neutropenia), osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply), or lactic acidosis.
Stopping Lamivudine+zidovudine may increase the risk of treatment failure. So Lamivudine+zidovudine should not be stopped without consulting your doctor.
Please consult your doctor if you are using other medicines before starting Lamivudine+zidovudine. However, medicines like didanosine, co-trimoxazole, clarithromycin, fluconazole, rifampicin, ranitidine, and phenytoin may interact with Lamivudine+zidovudine and should not be used simultaneously.
