Lamivudine and Zidovudine

The combination of lamivudine and zidovudine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lamivudine and zidovudine are in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. They work by slowing the spread of HIV infection in the body. Lamivudine and zidovudine is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Lamivudine and zidovudine does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.

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. To help you remember to take this medication, take it around the same time 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 controls HIV infection but does 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.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Lamivudine and zidovudine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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headache</li>
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upset stomach</li>
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diarrhea</li>
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constipation</li>
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loss of appetite</li>
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dizziness</li>
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difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep</li>
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excessive tiredness</li>
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depression</li>
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stuffy nose</li>
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cough</li>
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hair loss</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>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 IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

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hives</li>
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skin rash</li>
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itching</li>
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difficulty breathing or swallowing</li>
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seizures</li>
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numbness, tingling, or burning in your fingers or toes</li>
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fever</li>
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wheezing</li></ul>Lamivudine and zidovudine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking lamivudine and zidovudine.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking lamivudine and zidovudine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV); zidovudine (Retrovir); lamivudine, zidovudine, and abacavir (Trizivir); or any other medications. you should know that lamivudine and zidovudine are also available individually with the brand names Epivir, Epivir HBV, and Retrovir, and in another combination as Trizivir. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications, to be sure you do not receive the same medication twice. 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: acetaminophen (Tylenol), acyclovir (Zovirax), atovaquone (Mepron), cancer chemotherapy drugs, cidofovir (Vistide), dapsone (Avlosulfon), didanosine (ddI, Videx), doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), fluconazole (Diflucan), foscarnet (Foscavir), ganciclovir (Cytovene, Vitrasert), interferon alpha (Alferon N, Infergen, Intron A, Roferon A), interferon beta-1b (Betaseron), methadone, nelfinavir (Viracept), probenecid (Benemid, Probalan), ribavarin (Rebetol, Virazole), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), ritonavir (Norvir), stavudine (Zerit), trimethoprim (Trimpex, Proloprim ), trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote), and zalcitabine (ddC, Hivid). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. in addition to the conditions listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease. you should be aware that your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body, such as your breasts and your upper back.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.