Lamivudine + Tenofovir Disoproxil

Lamivudine + Tenofovir Disoproxil — Uses and Benefits

This medicine is used mainly for the long-term treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults, always as part of a combination regimen with other antiretroviral drugs. It may also be prescribed for chronic hepatitis B in certain patients under specialist supervision.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of HIV-1 infection, as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART)
• Sometimes used in management of chronic hepatitis B infection
• Used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in some high-risk individuals, only as advised by a doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• Lamivudine and Tenofovir Disoproxil are both nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
• They block the enzyme reverse transcriptase that the virus needs to multiply
• This lowers the viral load and helps the immune system recover over time

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not a cure for HIV or hepatitis B; it only controls the infection
• Not used to treat other viral infections like influenza or common cold
• Not effective as a stand-alone treatment for HIV; must be combined with other antiretroviral drugs
• Not to be used for post-exposure emergency situations without medical guidance

How to Use Lamivudine + Tenofovir Disoproxil

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day
• Can be taken with or without food, unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless instructed
• Take at the same time each day to maintain steady drug levels in the body
• Do not stop the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• Missing doses regularly can make the virus resistant to treatment, so try to be consistent

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep the medicine in its original container, tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Discard expired medicine safely through a pharmacy take-back program

Lamivudine + Tenofovir Disoproxil — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Headache
• Tiredness or weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Sleep disturbances

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Skin rash
• Mild changes in kidney function tests
• Muscle pain

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Signs of lactic acidosis such as unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, or severe tiredness
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (liver problems)
• Severe kidney problems (reduced urination, swelling of legs)
• Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, throat, or difficulty breathing
• Bone pain or fractures with long-term use
• Worsening of hepatitis B after stopping the medicine

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Lamivudine + Tenofovir Disoproxil — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be taken only under the supervision of a qualified doctor.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to lamivudine, tenofovir, or any other ingredient in the tablet
• Have severe kidney disease, unless specifically advised by your doctor
• Are taking other medicines containing tenofovir or lamivudine already

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any kidney or liver problems
• Have a history of bone disease or fractures
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have hepatitis B, since stopping this medicine suddenly can worsen it
• Are taking other medicines, including over-the-counter drugs or supplements

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other nephrotoxic drugs (medicines that affect the kidney)
• Drugs like adefovir, used for hepatitis B
• Certain antibiotics and antifungal medicines
• Medicines that affect liver enzymes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop this medicine once my viral load becomes undetectable?

No, you must continue taking it as prescribed since stopping can lead to virus rebound and resistance.

Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?

It may be used in pregnancy under medical supervision, as the benefits often outweigh risks, but always consult your doctor.

Will I need regular tests while on this medicine?

• Yes, your doctor will likely monitor your kidney function, liver function, and viral load periodically.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.