What is this medicine?
LAMIVUDINE; ZIDOVUDINE (la MI vyoo deen; zye DOE vyoo deen) is two antiretroviral medicines in one tablet. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-blood or bone marrow problems
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to lamivudine, zidovudine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children weighing at least 30 kg (66 pounds) for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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-atovaquone
-doxorubicin
-fluconazole
-ganciclovir
-interferon
-methadone
-nelfinavir
-probenecid
-ribavirin
-ritonavir
-stavudine
-sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim, SMX-TMP
-trimethoprim
-valproic acid
-zalcitabine, ddC
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.
HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.
If you have hepatitis B, talk to your doctor if you plan to stop or change your therapy. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse after you stop this medicine.
Do not treat severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting with over-the-counter medicines. Contact your doctor.
This medicine can cause blood problems. You may have slow healing and a higher risk of infection while on this medicine. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Be careful not to damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-breathing difficulties
-depression
-fever, chills, or sore throat
-muscle aches, pains, weakness
-pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
-seizures
-unusual bruising or bleeding
-unusually weak or tired
-weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-cough
-diarrhea
-difficulty sleeping
-dizziness
-headache
-loss of appetite
-nausea, vomiting
-runny, stuffy nose
-stomach pain, upset
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Avoid - This drug is known to cause harm to infants when taken by nursing mothers.
