Uses
The combination of lamivudine and zidovudine is used along with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Lamivudine and zidovudine are in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They work by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. Although the combination of lamivudine and zidovudine does not cure HIV, it may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of transmitting (spreading) the HIV virus to other people.
Side Effects Of Lamivudine and Zidovudine
Lamivudine and zidovudine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- depression
- stuffy nose
- cough
- joint pain
Some side effects can be serious. The following side effects are uncommon, but if you experience any of them or any of those listed in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:
- hives
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- numbness, tingling or burning in your fingers or toes
- fever
- wheezing
Lamivudine and zidovudine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking lamivudine and zidovudine.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking lamivudine and zidovudine:
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV, others); zidovudine (Retrovir); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in the tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: atovaquone (Malarone, Mepron), certain medications for cancer such as doxorubicin (Doxil), fluconazole (Diflucan), ganciclovir (Cytovene, Valcyte), interferon-alpha, methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetrol, others), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater), and stavudine (Zerit). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with lamivudine and zidovudine, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- in addition to the conditions listed in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas that does not go away) or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking lamivudine and zidovudine, call your doctor. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking lamivudine and zidovudine.
- you should be aware that your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body, such as your upper back, neck (”buffalo hump”), breasts, and around your stomach. You may notice a loss of body fat from your face, legs, and arms.
- you should know that while you are taking medications to treat HIV infection, your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight other infections that were already in your body. This may cause you to develop symptoms of those infections. If you have new or worsening symptoms at any time during your treatment with lamivudine and zidovudine, be sure to tell your doctor.
Lamivudine and Zidovudine Dosage
The combination of lamivudine and zidovudine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day with or without food. Take lamivudine and zidovudine at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Lamivudine and zidovudine control HIV infection but do not cure it. Continue to take lamivudine and zidovudine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lamivudine and zidovudine without talking to your doctor. When your supply of lamivudine and zidovudine starts to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss doses or stop taking lamivudine and zidovudine, your condition may become more difficult to treat.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a supply of lamivudine and zidovudine on hand. Do not wait until you run out of medication to refill your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
