Zidovudine and Lamivudine

Filed under: Other Medication

Displayed: Retrovir Zidovudine 250mg

Zidovudine/Lamivudine are used in the treatment of HIV infection. Both these drugs are combined into one tablet. These drugs are from the same class of drugs known as nucleoside analogues and would normally be prescribed with another class of drug to treat HIV, this could be either a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or a protease inhibitor. These three drugs combined would have a greater effect on treating HIV than either a single or double administration of drugs would. The combination of three drugs slows down production of the virus, there by reducing damage done to the immune system. For there to be any improvement the cocktail of drugs would need to be taken regularly and on a long term basis.

Generic versions of zidovudine for distribution in the United States were approved in September 2005:

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Drug for HIV and Immune deficiency with overdose danger – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – NO.
• Alcohol Avoidance – NO.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Diarrhoea, Fatique, Nausea, Vomiting.
Rare: Skin discolouration, Amemia, Severe Abdominal Pain.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

There is a increased risk of serious blood disorders such as anaemia, with long term use of zidovudine and lamivudine. Monitoring would be done to check on the virus and look for signs of anaemia.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

There are no special problems with theses activities and the same goes for alcohol.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Zidovudine/Lamivudine in pregnancy has not been established. If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast feeding you will need to discuss both these issues with your doctor. Breast feeding is not recommended by HIV. positive mothers as the virus could be passed to the baby.

Zidovudine is classified as a Pregnancy Category C Medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

Once again as with many drugs there is a risk of increased adverse effects for the over sixties. A reduced dose may be necessary. There would also be a need to reduce the dose for children.

Overdose

If you know a large overdose has been taken or you notice any unusual symptoms you should contact your doctor. However, having said that if an extra dose has been taken unintentionally there should be no cause for alarm. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, or weakness.

Other Medication Reactions

There is a general rule of thumb with these two drugs. A wide range of drugs may interact with zidovudine/lamivudine, either by increasing the adverse effects, or a reduction in the effect of the antiretroviral drugs. It would be best to check with your doctor or chemist/pharmacist before taking any new drugs, this would include those that a dentist may give you, or those you may purchase yourself from the local supermarket. These precautions would also include complementary medicines.

Missed 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 continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

The effects of this drug could be felt within 1 hour with a lasting duration of up to 12 hours.

Storage and Safety

• Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted medication / drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all un-used or old medicines / drugs to your pharmacist.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or they feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.