LAMIVUDINE,NEVIRAPINE,ZIDOVUDINE

Background and Date of Approval

Lamivudine + Nevirapine + 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

Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine is 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 Lamivudine + Nevirapine + 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 Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine are nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, cough and difficulty sleeping.

Warnings

Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine is not recommended if you are allergic to this drug or any other active substance or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women. Inform your physician if you have liver issues, hepatitis infection, kidney diseases, or undergoing dialysis. Tell your physician if you have any active skin conditions such as rash. This tablet can interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. It's necessary to inform your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, to ensure no potential interactions.

Precautions

This Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine is not advised for patients with anemia (low red blood cells) or neutropenia (low white blood cells). Inform your doctor if you have any liver disease, including hepatitis B or C, kidney disease, or are overweight. The administration of this drug is associated with hematologic toxicity (decrease in blood cells), muscle weakness, liver diseases and infection, and lactic acidosis (acid buildup due to problems in the body's metabolism). This medication is not advised for children less than 35 kg. Lamivudine, Nevirapine, and zidovudine Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine may cause decreased fertility in females. Talk to your physician if you have any concerns about fertility.

Word of Advice

Follow your doctor's guidance on high-risk activities including unprotected sex and sharing personal items that may contact blood or body fluids, such as toothbrushes, razor blades, and needles. Safe sex practices using condoms are recommended to reduce exposure to semen, blood, or vaginal secretions. If you miss a dose of Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine, take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double the next dose to compensate for a missed dose.

References

Micro Labs USA Inc, US Food and Drug Administration,[ Revised on August 2018] [ Accessed on 19th May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/205626s000lbl.pdf Lamivudine, Nevirapine, Zidovudine. South Ruislip, Middlesex: Aurobindo Pharma - Milpharm Ltd. Prescribing information. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/pepfar/021939PI.pdf [ Accessed on 19th May 2023]. HIV drug resistance database. Available at: https://hivdb.stanford.edu/pages/linksPages/NVP_3TC_AZT_GenericCombination.pdf [ Accessed on 19th May 2023]. 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, 1632-1644.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop taking Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine once I feel better?

No, continuing this Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine as prescribed is important, even if you feel better. Stopping or interrupting treatment can lead to viral rebound and the development of drug resistance

Can Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine cure HIV?

No, Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine cannot cure HIV. They are used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress the virus, improve the immune system, and prevent the progression of HIV infection. ART is a lifelong treatment for HIV.

Can Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine prevent HIV transmission during unprotected sex?

While Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine is effective in managing HIV infection in individuals who are already HIV-positive, they are not intended to prevent HIV transmission. It is necessary to use preventive measures like condoms to reduce the chance of acquiring HIV.

Does Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine cause bone marrow suppression?

Yes, this Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine may cause bone marrow suppression. Inform your physician if you experience any changes in your blood reports, such as increased or decreased RBC and WBC.

Can Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine be given to kidney failure patients?

Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine should be mainly used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Inform your physician if you have any kidney diseases before initiating the treatment.

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS