Zidovudine-Lamivudine

 
Generic Name: lamivudine and zidovudine

Brands: Combivir

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What is the most important information I should know about Zidovudine-Lamivudine?

· Serious blood problems including low levels of red and/or white blood cells have occurred with the use of zidovudine. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop unusual fatigue, pale skin, sore throat, fever, or chills which may be signs of blood problems.

· Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of Zidovudine-Lamivudine, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.

· Serious, even fatal, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of some reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and/or fever.

· Avoid alcohol while taking Zidovudine-Lamivudine. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/or liver.

· Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Zidovudine-Lamivudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with this medication.

 

What is Zidovudine-Lamivudine?

· Zidovudine-Lamivudine are antiviral medications. They are in a category of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Zidovudine-Lamivudine inhibit the reproduction of HIV in the body.

· Zidovudine-Lamivudine are used together to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zidovudine-Lamivudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

· Zidovudine-Lamivudine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zidovudine-Lamivudine?

· Before taking Zidovudine-Lamivudine, tell your doctor if you     ·have kidney disease;     ·have liver disease;     ·have hepatitis;     ·have bone marrow suppression; or     ·weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kg).

· You may not be able to take Zidovudine-Lamivudine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Zidovudine-Lamivudine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Zidovudine-Lamivudine will be harmful to an unborn baby. It is very important to treat HIV/AIDS during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infecting the baby. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

· It is not known whether Zidovudine-Lamivudine passes into breast milk and what effect it may have on a nursing baby. To prevent transmission of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that HIV-positive mothers not breast-feed.

 

How should I take Zidovudine-Lamivudine?

· Take Zidovudine-Lamivudine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Zidovudine-Lamivudine can be taken with or without food.

· Zidovudine-Lamivudine is usually taken twice a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· It is important to take Zidovudine-Lamivudine regularly to get the most benefit.

· Treatment of HIV/AIDS almost always requires the use of two or more drugs. If you need to stop taking one of the medicines you are taking for HIV, you should stop all of them until you can talk to your doctor.

· Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Zidovudine-Lamivudine to monitor progress and side effects.

· Store Zidovudine-Lamivudine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Zidovudine-Lamivudine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, confusion, and seizures.

 

What should I avoid while taking Zidovudine-Lamivudine?

· Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Zidovudine-Lamivudine does not cure HIV or AIDS and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with this medication.

· Avoid alcohol while taking Zidovudine-Lamivudine. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/or liver.

 

What are the possible side effects of Zidovudine-Lamivudine?

· Serious blood problems including low levels of red and/or white blood cells have occurred with the use of zidovudine. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop unusual fatigue, pale skin, sore throat, fever, or chills which may be signs of blood problems.

· Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of reverse transcriptase inhibitors, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.

· Serious, even fatal, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of some reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and/or fever.

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zidovudine-Lamivudine and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·muscle pain or weakness; or     ·peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), which may cause numbness, tingling, or pain.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Zidovudine-Lamivudine and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite;     ·a headache;     ·dizziness;     ·insomnia; or     ·redistribution of body fat (loss of fat from the arms, legs, and face and increased fat around the neck, breast, and trunk).

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Zidovudine-Lamivudine?

· Other medications may interact with Zidovudine-Lamivudine resulting in decreased effectiveness and/or side effects. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with Zidovudine-Lamivudine.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Zidovudine-Lamivudine written for health professionals that you may read.

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