Lamivudine + zidovudine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Lamivudine + Zidovudine What Medicine?

What is lamivudine + zidovudine for?

You will be prescribed an oral medication that is taken twice a day or as directed by your doctor. This medicine can be consumed after meals or on an empty stomach. Swallow this medication with one glass of water, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

This product contains a fixed dose of lamivudine and zidovudine, use these drugs according to the dosage dosage and the rules of use that have been determined by a special doctor to treat your condition. This product is not recommended for use in children weighing less than 30 kilograms.

It is important to continue to take this drug (and other HIV medicines) as prescribed by your doctor. Skipping or changing doses without your doctor's approval can risk dramatically increasing viral growth, making the infection difficult to treat (drug resistance), or worsening side effects.
This drug combination works best when the drug levels in your body are stable. It is advisable to take this drug in a balanced period of time. To help you remember, take the medication every day at the same time.

How to use lamivudine + zidovudine?

It is important to continue to take this drug (and other HIV medicines) as prescribed by your doctor. Skipping or changing doses without your doctor's approval can risk the virus growing drastically, making the infection difficult to treat (drug resistance), or worsening side effects.
This drug combination works best when the drug levels in your body are stable. It is advisable to take this drug in a balanced period of time. To help you remember, take the medication every day at the same time.

How is lamivudine + zidovudine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dosage of Lamivudine + Zidovudine

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of lamivudine + zidovudine for adults?

HIV infection

1 tablet taken twice a day

Non-occupational exposure to viruses

US CDC recommendation: 1 tablet every 12 hours with efavirenz or lopinavir-ritonavir

Occupational Virus Exposure

Basic dose for HIV postexposure prophylaxis: 1 tablet every 12 hours

What is the dosage of lamivudine + zidovudine for children?

HIV infection

Body weight more than 30 kg: 1 tablet taken twice a day

In what dosage is lamivudine + zidovudine available?

Lamivudine and zidovudine tablets, USP available in versions: lamivudine 150 mg, USP and zidovudine 300 mg, USP.

Lamivudine + Zidovudine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to lamivudine + zidovudine?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This combination of drugs can cause lacticacidemia (too high a buildup of lactate in the bloodstream and tissues, a dangerous condition). The process of lacticacidemia is slow and can become very severe over time. Seek medical help immediately if you notice any of the symptoms of lacticacedymia, even if they look mild, such as: muscle weakness or pain, numbness or a cold sensation in the arms and legs, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness , or tired or feeling very weak.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

signs of new infection, such as fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pain in the mouth and throat
pale skin, lightheaded head, very fast pacemaker, difficulty focusing
bruising, abnormal bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or colon), purplish or reddish spots under your skin;
excessive sweating, tremors in the hands, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbances (insomnia)
diarrhea, sudden weight loss, changes in the menstrual cycle, impotence, loss of sex drive
swelling of the neck or throat (goiter)
difficulty walking, breathing, speaking, swallowing, or eye movement
weakness or tingling in the fingers or toes
severe low back pain, loss of digestive or bladder control
liver problems — upper stomach pain that radiates to the back, nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat
severe allergic skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling of the face or tongue, burning eyes, pain in the skin, followed by reddish or purplish blisters that spread (especially on the face and upper body), causing skin blisters and peeling.

The more common side effects include:

headache
nausea or mild diarrhea
chills, such as runny nose, sneezing, sinus, cough
changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in the arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and buttocks)

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Warnings and Cautions Lamivudine + Zidovudine

What should be known before using lamivudine + zidovudine?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if:

You are allergic to lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV); zidovudine (Retrovir); lamivudine, zidovudine, and abacavir (Trizivir); or other drugs
It is important to note that these two combination drugs are also sold separately under the product brands Epivir, Epivir HBV, and Retrovir, and in another combination as Trizivir. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications, to make sure you will not get twice the dose of the same medicine
inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently or will be taking other drugs (prescription / nonprescription), vitamins, and nutritional supplements. Be sure to mention the following drugs: acetaminophen (Tylenol), acyclovir (Zovirax), atovaquone (Mepron), chemo cancer drugs, cidofovir (Vistide), dapsone (Avlosulfone), didanosine (ddI, Videx), doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), fluconazole (Diflucan), foscarnet (Foscavir), ganciclovir (Cytovene, Vitrasert), interferon alpha (Alferon N, Infergen, Intron A, Roferon A), interferon beta-1b (Betaseron), methadone, nelfinavir (Viracept), probenecid (Benemid, Probalan), ribavarin (Rebetol, Virazole), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), ritonavir (Norvir), stavudine (Zerit), trimethoprim (Trimpex, Proloprim), trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bacttra ), valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote), and zalcitabine (ddC, Hivid). Your doctor will change the dose prescribed or monitor you for possible side effects
You have, or have been, kidney disease
You are currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while on this drug, contact your doctor. You are not allowed to breastfeed while taking these medicines
understand that your body fat can increase or change locations, such as in the breasts and upper back

Is lamivudine + zidovudine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = Not at risk
B = No risk in several studies
C = May be risky
D = There is positive evidence of risk
X = Contraindicated
N = Unknown

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Drug Interaction Lamivudine + Zidovudine

What medicines may interact with lamivudine + zidovudine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Interferon alpha or ribavirin because of the risk of serious liver disease
Stavudine, the effectiveness of this drug will decrease due to interactions with lamivudine / zidovudine
Clarithromycin, doxorubicin, rifampin, or zalcitabine can reduce the effectiveness of lamivudine / zidovudine
Acetaminophen, ganciclovir, ibuprofen, methadone, probenecid, trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole, valproic acid, vancomycin, or zalcitabine can increase the risk of side effects or toxicity from lamivudine / zidovudine.

Can food or alcohol interact with lamivudine + zidovudine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with lamivudine + zidovudine?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

blood disorders (eg anemia, decreased spinal cord production)
pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) —Use it wisely. Can make this condition worse
hepatitis B infection
hepatitis C infection — can make side effects worse
kidney disease, severe
liver disease, severe — should not be used in patients with this condition

Lamivudine + Zidovudine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.