Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: LAMIVUDINE (la-MIV-ue-deen) and ZIDOVUDINE (zye-DOE-vue-deen)
This medicine is an antiviral combination used with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
WARNING: One of the 2 active ingredients in this medicine, zidovudine, has been associated with certain blood disorders (eg, low white blood cell levels, severe anemia), especially in patients with advanced HIV disease. It has also been associated with severe muscle pain and inflammation when it is used for long periods of time. High levels of lactic acid in the blood and severe liver problems, which may be life-threatening, have been reported with the use of this medicine. Some patients with both HIV and hepatitis B infection who were taking lamivudine have developed severe worsening of their hepatitis B after they stopped taking lamivudine. Patients who have both HIV and hepatitis B infection and who stop using this medicine should have their liver function closely checked for at least several months after their last dose. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking stavudine, zalcitabine, or other medicines containing lamivudine or zidovudine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking interferon alfa, ribavirin, clarithromycin, doxorubicin, rifampin, acetaminophen, ganciclovir, ibuprofen, methadone, probenecid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, valproic acid, or vancomycin. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of liver problems (eg, abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis B infection); lactic acidosis; kidney problems; a bone marrow disorder; pancreas problems; abnormal blood cell counts; nerve or muscle problems; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are significantly overweight. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have severe kidney problems; decreased liver function; abnormal liver function tests; or high levels of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis). This medicine should not be used in CHILDREN weighing less than 66 lbs (30 kg); safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth with or without food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT TAKE 2 doses at once.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to it or to any ingredient in this medicine. LAB TESTS, including blood cell counts and liver and kidney function tests, may be performed while you use this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS OR DIZZINESS. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. The risk of side effects may be greater and additional benefits may not be obtained if you take this medicine in high doses. THIS MEDICINE IS NOT A CURE FOR HIV infection. Patients may still get illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor. THIS MEDICINE DOES NOT STOP THE SPREAD OF HIV to others through blood or sexual contact. Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have HIV infection. Do not share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors. WHEN YOUR MEDICINE SUPPLY IS LOW, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can. Do not stop taking this medicine, even for a short period of time. If you do, the virus may grow resistant to the medicine and become harder to treat. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR. Some conditions, including hepatitis B, may become worse if this medicine is suddenly stopped. CHANGES IN BODY FAT (eg, an increased amount of fat in the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk, and loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face) may occur in some patients taking this medicine. The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss any concerns with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN who have a history of pancreatitis or who have taken other medicines for HIV infection. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. This medicine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. MOTHERS INFECTED WITH HIV SHOULD NOT BREAST-FEED. There is a risk of passing the HIV infection or this medicine to the baby.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include appetite loss; changes in body fat; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; fatigue; headache; indigestion; nasal problems; sleeplessness or other sleep problems; tiredness; or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience dark urine; depression; fast or irregular heartbeat; infection (fever, chills, sore throat); inflammation of the pancreas (severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting); joint pain; mental or mood changes; muscle pain; nausea; numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs; seizures; shortness of breath; stomach tenderness or pain; swelling or soreness of the mouth or tongue; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness; unusual weakness or exhaustion; vomiting; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; seizures; tiredness; or vomiting.
If you have any questions concerning how to prevent spreading HIV infection to other people, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.
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