EFAVIRENZ,LAMIVUDINE,ZIDOVUDINE
Background and Date of Approval
Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine is a combination of three antiretroviral medicines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.
Uses
Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudineis available as a tablet. Lamivudine and Zidovudine belong to the class of medications called nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Nevirapine belongs to the class of medication called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It is used to treat HIV-1 infection.
How is it administered?
Take the Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine as advised by your physician. Swallow the tablets whole and intact. This tablet should be taken with food. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the medicine if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The common side effects of Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, tiredness, fever or chills, diarrhoea, cough and decreased appetite. Some serious side effects are lactic acidosis, liver problems, hypersensitive reactions, seizures, muscle pain, changes in body fat and blood problems.
Warnings
Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine is contraindicated in individuals with severe renal impairment and may have altered drug clearance, which mainly affects the efficacy and safety of the medicine. Also, it is highly advised not to use this drug in patients with severe renal impairment. Dose adjustment is necessary for such conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any liver disease, including hepatitis B or C, kidney disease, heart problems, diabetes, history of seizures, mental health problems, consumed street drugs, or large amounts of alcohol before taking Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine. The administration of this medicine is associated with hematologic toxicity (decrease in blood cells), muscle weakness, liver diseases, infection, and lactic acidosis (acid buildup due to problems in the body's metabolism). Do not breastfeed. Consult your doctor about safe sex practices.
Precautions
During the initial stage of treatment, some patients may experience an inflammatory response to opportunistic infections. This condition, immune reconstitution syndrome, can occur after starting the drug or other antiretroviral therapies. Knowing this possibility and monitoring for any signs of worsening infections or inflammatory symptoms is necessary. Inform your healthcare provider if the symptoms concern you or persist longer than usual. Patients are also advised to report any skin or hypersensitivity reactions to their healthcare provider and to seek medical emergency immediately if they experience any symptoms of a severe reaction. Tell your doctor immediately about all the medications you have been taking recently, including herbal and supplements, before taking Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine.
Word of Advice
Do not share personal items such as toothbrushes or razors. To prevent transmission of HIV infection, avoid sharing needles or syringes, as these can transmit the infection readily. Patients who use injectable drugs must use sterile needles and syringes and never share them with others. Personal items should not be shared because HIV-1 can be present in blood and certain body fluids, and sharing these items could transmit the virus. This drug is not safe during breastfeeding because HIV infection can pass to the infant through breast milk; alternative feeding methods should be used to support the infant's nutrition. If you miss a dose of Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine for an entire day, take your usual dose the next day. Do not double-dose. Discard medicines that are no longer needed or are expired. Keep medicines away from children and pets. Do not store these medicines in damp places such as bathrooms, cabinets, or near kitchen sinks.
References
Strides Arcolab Limited, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Issued on May 2007] [ Accessed on 19th May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/pepfar/022096PI.pdf Cipla Ltd, [ Revised on July 2020] [ Accessed on 19th May 2023], https://www.ciplamed.com/content/duovir-e-kit KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 806 - 811. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiretroviral agents and treatment of HIV infection, 12th edition, 2011, 1632-1634.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss a dose of Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine?
Do not miss any doses of Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine. If you forget to take these medications, take them immediately. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose.
What should I tl my doctor before taking Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine?
If you have previously taken medications for HIV treatment, inform your doctor to ensure appropriate adjustment of your treatment regimen before taking Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine.
Can I give Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine to other people if they have the same symptoms as me?
Do not use Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine for a condition that was not prescribed. Do not give these medications to other people, even if they have the same condition you have. It may harm them.
Does Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine reduce the risk of passing HIV to others?
Yes, Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine, when used as part of an effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen, can reduce the risk of passing HIV to others. This combination of medications is commonly used to treat HIV infection and is known as a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
How does Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine work?
When used together, the combination of Efavirenz + Lamivudine + Zidovudine may help in lowering the amount of HIV in your blood (called "viral load") and increase your CD4 (T) cell count. HIV infection destroys CD4 (T) cells, which are important to the immune system. The immune system helps fight infection. Reducing the amount of HIV and increasing the CD4 (T) cell count may improve your immune system. It may reduce the risk of death or infections when your immune system is weak.