lamivudine and zidovudine

What is the most important information I should know about lamivudine and zidovudine?

Zidovudine can weaken your immune system and cause signs of infection (fever, mouth sores, skin sores, flu symptoms, pale skin). Your blood will need to be tested often. Long-term use of zidovudine can cause muscle weakness, or loss of muscle tissue similar to "wasting syndrome" caused by HIV.

If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using this medicine. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months.

What is lamivudine and zidovudine?

Lamivudine and zidovudine are antiviral medications that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Lamivudine and zidovudine is a combination medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lamivudine and zidovudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Lamivudine and zidovudine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lamivudine and zidovudine?

Lamivudine and zidovudine can also cause severe or fatal liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, especially hepatitis B.

Lamivudine and zidovudine should not be used to treat HIV in adolescents weighing less than 66 pounds.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• pancreas disorder (especially in a child taking this medicine); or
• if you take ribavirin to treat hepatitis C.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby.

How should I take lamivudine and zidovudine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Use all HIV medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV should remain under the care of a doctor.

If you've ever had hepatitis B, this virus may become active or get worse in the months after you stop using lamivudine and zidovudine. You may need frequent liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after your last dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking lamivudine and zidovudine?

Avoid taking other medications that contain an ingredient called sorbitol, often used as a sweetener in liquid medicines. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure a medicine contains this ingredient.

Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

What are the possible side effects of lamivudine and zidovudine?

• liver problems --swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet;
• low white blood cell counts --fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing; or
• pancreatitis --severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting.

Lamivudine and zidovudine affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have:

• signs of a new infection --fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
• trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or
• swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.

Common side effects may include:

• headache;
• nausea, diarrhea;
• tiredness, general ill feeling;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, cough; or
• loss of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, and buttocks).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect lamivudine and zidovudine?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• ganciclovir;
• interferon alfa; or
• ribavirin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect lamivudine and zidovudine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about lamivudine and zidovudine.