ABOUT DUOVIR-N
Lamivudine belongs to a class of medication called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It decreases the amount of virus (HIV and hepatitis) in the blood. It also increases the number of infection fighting cells in the body (CD4 cells). Zidovudine belongs to a group of medications called nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), also known as antiretrovirals. Nevirapine belongs to a class of anti-HIV medicines called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).
MEDICINE USES :
Lamivudine indicated as part of antiretroviral combination therapy for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected adults and children and also used in the treatment of Hepatitis B virus infection. Zidovudine is used in combination with other antiretroviral (ART) medicines for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. Zidovudine is also indicated for use in HIV-positive pregnant (over 14 weeks) women for prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission (passing of infection), and for primary preventive treatment of HIV infection in new-born infants. Nevarapine is used to treat and control Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection for adults, adolescents, and children of any age. It must be used along with other HIV medicines.
LAMIVUDINE/ZIDOVUDINE/NEVIRAPINE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS :
headache; nausea, diarrhea; tiredness, general ill feeling; cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, cough; or
changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
low white blood cell counts–fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;
low red blood cells (anemia)–pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
liver problems–nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
SAFETY INFORMATION (Precautions) for DUOVIR-N LAMIVUDINE/ZIDOVUDINE/NEVIRAPINE TABLETS :
Before using this drug, inform your doctor about your current list of medications, over the counter products (e.g. vitamins, herbal supplements, etc.), allergies, pre-existing diseases, and current health conditions (e.g. pregnancy, upcoming surgery, etc.). Some health conditions may make you more susceptible to the side effects of the drug. Take as directed by your doctor or follow the direction printed on the product insert. Dosage is based on your condition. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Important counseling points are listed below.
Avoid pregnancy
Discontinue use if rapid increase in aminotransferase levels, progressive hepatomegaly, or metabolic or lactic acidosis of unknown origin
Do not start using Nevirapine if you are allergic to it
Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Do not use if you develop skin rash, blistering, mouth sores, swelling of the face, shortness of breath, muscle or joint pain or general feelings of illness
Have diabetes and renal impairment
MEDICATION STORAGE REQUIREMENTS :
Store the tablets below 30°C (36° and 86°F).
DRUG INTERACTIONS :
Duovir N Tablet may interact with the following drugs and products:
Acyclovir
Aspirin
Atovaquone
Azapropazone
Cimetidine
Clarithromycin
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.