Has your doctor prescribed you Lamivudine and Zidovudine to control your HIV? It's normal to have a lot of questions in your mind when using such a medicine for a long time. "What exactly will this do?", "What should I be careful of?", "Will this cause side effects?" You may be wondering things like this. Don't worry, we'll talk about all of this very simply and in a friendly way today.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. That is, both antiretroviral medicines called Lamivudine and Zidovudine are included in one pill. You may know this by the brand name Combivir.
Its main function is to be used in combination with other medications to treat HIV infection. It works by controlling the multiplication of the HIV virus in the body.
The most important thing: This medicine is not a cure for HIV. But it can help you control the virus and live a healthy life. And, when used correctly, it can significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of spreading HIV to someone else.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
For your safety and the success of your treatment, it is important to tell your doctor the following information before starting this medication.
| The condition or habit you should report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Blood or bone marrow problems | Because this medicine can affect blood cells. |
| Alcohol drinking habit | Because both alcohol and this medication can affect the liver. |
| Kidney disease | Since the medication is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, the dosage may need to be adjusted depending on kidney function. |
| Liver disease, especially Hepatitis B | This drug can affect the liver and can also change the status of Hepatitis B. |
| Allergies to this medicine or anything else | It is very important to let us know if you have any allergies to Lamivudine, Zidovudine, other medicines, foods, or preservatives. |
| Trying to get pregnant, being pregnant, or breastfeeding | You should especially discuss the use of medications with your doctor during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of treatment, it is essential to use the medicine exactly as prescribed.
- Drink with a glass of water: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Follow medical advice: Take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time.
- With or without food? Be sure to ask your doctor whether you should take this medication with or without food. Sometimes you may be told to take it on an empty stomach, which means 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
- Don't skip doses: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. Don't skip doses for any reason. If you do, the HIV virus can become resistant to this medicine and even other medicines. That means the medicine may not work.
- Don't stop on your own: Even if you feel better, don't stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
If you give it to children...
If you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to a pediatrician about it. Even though it is prescribed for children in special cases, there are some things to be careful about.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Important: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Interactions with other medications
This medicine may interact with some other medicines you are taking. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. These may include:
- Atovaquone
- Doxorubicin
- Fluconazole
- Ganciclovir
- Interferon
- Methadone
- Nelfinavir
- Probenecid
- Ribavirin
- Ritonavir
- Stavudine
- Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim (SMX-TMP)
- Trimethoprim
- Valproic acid
- Medicines containing sorbitol
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about any other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, or dietary supplements you are taking. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Medical tests: See your doctor on a regular basis. You will need to have regular blood tests (blood work) while taking this medicine.
- Hepatitis B status: If you have Hepatitis B, talk to your doctor before stopping this medication. Hepatitis B symptoms may worsen after stopping.
- Stomach upset: If you suddenly experience severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, do not take over-the-counter medications. Call your doctor immediately.
- Blood problems: This medicine may cause some blood problems. Wound healing may be delayed and the risk of infection may increase. Therefore, be careful not to injure even a small wound. Also, be careful not to injure your gums while brushing your teeth.
- Vitamin B12: This medication can decrease vitamin B12 levels in the body. Therefore, talk to your doctor about the foods and vitamins you are taking.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them can be serious, while others are mild.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness. |
| Muscle pain | Severe muscle pain or weakness. |
| Severe stomach ache | Nausea, vomiting, unusual stomach cramps. |
| Symptoms of liver disorders | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, pale stools, extreme fatigue. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Bleeding or bruising of the skin for no reason. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Cough, diarrhea | These usually subside within a few days. |
| Headache, insomnia | If these persist, tell your doctor. |
| Cold-like symptoms | Runny nose, stuffy nose. |
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, in the right dosage. Don't skip any doses.
- Inform your doctor about any other illnesses you have and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience a severe side effect (skin rash, difficulty breathing, severe stomach pain), seek medical advice immediately.
- Although this is not a cure for HIV, it is an essential medicine to control the virus and live a healthy life.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about it.
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