Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Nevirapine

Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Nevirapine — Uses and Benefits

This combination medicine is used in the treatment of HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection in adults and children as advised by a doctor.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Long-term management of HIV-1 infection as part of antiretroviral therapy (ART)
• Reducing viral load and slowing progression of HIV-related disease
• Helping maintain immune system function over time

HOW IT WORKS

• Lamivudine and Zidovudine block an HIV enzyme called reverse transcriptase, stopping the virus from copying itself
• Nevirapine also blocks reverse transcriptase but at a different site, giving added antiviral effect
• Together they reduce the amount of virus in the blood and help prevent HIV from developing resistance

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It does not cure HIV or AIDS
• It does not prevent transmission of HIV to others
• It is not used for other viral infections like hepatitis B alone, cold, or flu
• It is not a substitute for safe sex practices or other preventive measures

How to Use Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Nevirapine

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually as a tablet taken by mouth
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Take at the same times each day to maintain steady drug levels in the body
• Can be taken with or without food unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Do not stop or skip doses on your own, even if you feel well, as this can lead to drug resistance

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 two doses together to make up for a missed one
• Try to set reminders to avoid missing doses, as regular intake is very important in HIV treatment

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct heat, light, and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Nevirapine — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Headache
• Tiredness or weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Skin rash

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain
• Sleep disturbances
• Abdominal discomfort
• Fever

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling skin
• Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine (signs of liver problems)
• Severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting (possible pancreatitis)
• Unusual tiredness, rapid breathing, muscle pain (signs of lactic acidosis)
• Signs of severe anaemia such as extreme paleness, breathlessness, or fast heartbeat
• Fever, sore throat, or unusual bruising/bleeding (possible bone marrow suppression)

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

Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Nevirapine — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a valid doctor's prescription in India and should never be started or stopped without medical supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to lamivudine, zidovudine, nevirapine, or any ingredient in the tablet
• Have severe liver disease
• Have very low neutrophil or haemoglobin counts, unless advised otherwise by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any liver or kidney disease
• Have anaemia or blood disorders
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have a history of pancreatitis
• Are taking any other medicines, herbal products, or supplements

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other antiretroviral drugs
• Rifampicin and certain other antibiotics
• Ketoconazole and some antifungal medicines
• Hormonal contraceptives (effectiveness may be reduced)
• St. John's Wort and certain herbal supplements

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop this medicine once I feel better?

No, stopping suddenly can cause the virus to become resistant to treatment; always continue as advised by your doctor.

Can this medicine be used during pregnancy?

It may be used in pregnancy only under close medical supervision, so discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.

Will this medicine cure HIV completely?

• No, it controls the virus and helps manage the infection but does not cure HIV.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.