Lamivudine/ Zidovudine

Name: Lamivudine/ Zidovudine
Brand: Zidovudine
SKU: 172

Lamivudine and Zidovudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. This combination medication is prescribed along with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

US Brand Name

Combivir

Generic Name

Lamivudine + Zidovudine

Other Brand Name

Duovir, Virocomb

Packing

Manufacturer

CIPLA, Sun Pharma

Form

Tablet

Strength

Lamivudine 150 mg / Zidovudine 300 mg

Country

India

10 tablets Lamivudine 150 mg / Zidovudine 300 mg USD $26.00

60 tablets Lamivudine 150 mg / Zidovudine 300 mg USD $89.00

Lamivudine

Uses

Lamivudine is used together with other anti-retroviral medicines in the treatment of HIV-1 infection and chronic hepatitis b virus (HBV) infection.

How it Works

Lamivudine is a nucleoside analogue, it works by destroying CD4 helper cells and stopping the HIV virus from spreading.It blocks the action of the Reverse Transcriptase enzyme which helps the virus replicate, this results in destroying the viral HIV chain

Common Side effects

Patients who take Lamivudine may suffer from such side effects;

Fatigue,
Headache,
Insomnia,
Dyspepsia,
Nausea,
Cramps and Abdominal pain,
Dizziness,
Ear and/or Nasal infection,
Sore throat,
Skin rash,
Muscle pain,
Fever,
Chills,
Diarrhoea

Zidovudine

Uses

Zidovudine is an anti-retroviral which is prescribed and used in treatments for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.

How it Works

Zidovudine treats HIV infections by inhibiting viral reverse transcriptase and DNA polymerases. The HIV virus needs An enzyme called RT (reverse transcriptase) to replicate its DNA in order to spread and infect more cells. Zidovudine works by blocking the reverse transcriptase, this then helps to terminate the DNA chain and prevent the virus from multiplying. Zidovudine slows down the HIV Infection progress in the body but it is not a cure.

Common Side effects

Patients who take Zidovudine may suffer from such side effects;

Diarrhea,
Decreased appetite,
Headaches,
Sleep disruption,
Body fat abnormalities,
Digestive upset or discomfort

Introduction

Lamivudine and Zidovudine are the two active ingredients that are contained in each of the tablets. It is used in the treatment of individuals suffering from HIV infections. Both of the drugs belong to the medication class of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Use

This combined medication is prescribed to help individuals suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Viral infections to lead better and stronger lives. This drug does not cure HIV. The virus continues to live in the body. The medicine only helps the individuals suffering from the infection by preventing the occurrence of further serious complications like cancer or disease of any organ system. It can thus improve the life expectancy of the patient.

Both of the drugs are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. They block an enzyme called reverse transcriptase in the HIV virus. Once this enzyme gets blocked, the cell replication gets regulated because this enzyme is responsible for the formation of new DNA molecules in the organism. Only taking the two drugs individually may lead to the development of resistance in the organism against them and hence it is usually taken together as a combined medicine.

Dosage and administration

The combination drug comes in the form of a tablet and contains 150 mg of Lamivudine and 300 mg of Zidovudine. The medicine is prescribed to be taken two times a day after taking food or as directed by the doctor. Take the medicine along with a glass of water.

Remember to take this drug along with the other prescribed drugs for HIV treatment. This medication is contraindicated for use in children weighing less than 30 kilograms.

It is important that the patient follows all the instructions carefully, as directed by the doctor. Do not skip doses. Do not alter the drug dose without consulting the doctor since it may worsen the problems. Also, it is important to take the drug in constant time intervals so as to maintain its regular levels in the blood.

Warning

The patient is advised to consult with the doctor about his or her previous medical history, like any history of liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol abuse, pancreatitis, etc.
Also, inform the doctor immediately if there is any history of allergies to this drug or to any other substances.
The medication may affect your ability to drive or use heavy machinery hence do not do such activities that require mental skills and alertness.
Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers are to use this medication only if it has been prescribed by the doctor.
Seek emergency health care and stop using the medication if the symptoms worsen or if any serious side effects occur like mood changes (such as depression), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and backache, fever, easy bruising, etc.