Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Efavirenz

Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Efavirenz — Uses and Benefits

This combination medicine is used in the treatment of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection in adults.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Long-term treatment of HIV-1 infection as part of combination antiretroviral therapy
• Reducing viral load and slowing progression of HIV to AIDS
• Used along with other precautions to reduce risk of transmitting HIV to others

HOW IT WORKS

• Lamivudine and Zidovudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that block an enzyme HIV needs to multiply
• Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that blocks the same enzyme in a different way
• Together they reduce the amount of virus in the blood and help increase CD4 cell count

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS
• It does not prevent transmission of HIV to others through blood or sexual contact
• It is not used for other viral infections like hepatitis B alone, influenza, or common cold
• It is not a post-exposure prophylaxis medicine on its own without medical guidance

How to Use Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Efavirenz

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily
• Take on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime, to reduce dizziness and sleep-related side effects
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Do not stop or skip doses even if you feel better, as this can lead to drug resistance
• Continue all other precautions advised by your doctor to prevent spreading HIV

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• Try to take your doses at the same time every day to maintain steady drug levels

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original pack until it is time to take the dose
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Efavirenz — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping or vivid dreams
• Tiredness
• Diarrhoea

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Skin rash
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes such as anxiety or depression

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine (signs of liver problems)
• Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling skin
• Unusual bleeding or bruising, or signs of low blood count such as extreme tiredness and pale skin
• Severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting (possible pancreatitis)
• Thoughts of self-harm, severe depression, hallucinations, or confusion
• Muscle weakness with breathing difficulty (possible lactic acidosis)

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

Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Efavirenz — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and must be used only under the supervision of a doctor experienced in HIV treatment.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to lamivudine, zidovudine, efavirenz, or any ingredient in the tablet
• Have severe liver disease
• Have very low white blood cell or haemoglobin levels, unless advised by your doctor
• Are taking certain medicines that interact seriously with efavirenz

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have a history of depression, mental illness, or seizures
• Have anaemia or low blood cell counts
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have hepatitis B or C infection
• Consume alcohol regularly

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other antiretroviral drugs not prescribed together with this combination
• Rifampicin and some other antibiotics
• St. John's Wort and certain herbal supplements
• Certain anti-seizure medicines
• Some cholesterol-lowering statins
• Hormonal contraceptives, which may become less effective

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

It is best to avoid alcohol as it can increase liver-related side effects and worsen dizziness.

Will this medicine cure my HIV completely?

No, it controls the virus and helps you stay healthy but does not cure HIV infection.

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

• No, you must continue taking it lifelong as prescribed, since stopping can allow the virus to return and become resistant.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.