Did your doctor start you on a new medication to treat HIV? Is the name a bit complicated and hard to remember? Don't worry. Today we're talking about this medication you were prescribed called Lamivudine and Tenofovir. This is a combination of two antiretroviral drugs. Let's keep it simple, clear, and as if we were talking to a friend.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine is a combination of two powerful drugs that fight the HIV virus. It is usually used in combination with other drugs for HIV treatment. Think of it like two special forces soldiers fighting an enemy. Together, these two drugs control the amount of HIV virus (viral load) in your body.
The most important thing is that this medicine does not completely cure HIV. However, it can help you control the virus very well and live a healthy life. It also helps reduce the risk of spreading HIV to someone else by reducing the amount of virus in your body. However, it is important to remember that it does not completely eliminate the risk.
This medicine may come under brand names such as `CIMDUO` or `TEMIXYS`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Your doctor needs to have a complete picture of you before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them about them.
- Bone problems: If you have weakness, pain, or other problems with your bones.
- Kidney disease: This is very important if you have any kidney problems, as the kidneys help to remove this medicine from the body.
- Liver diseases: If you have liver diseases like Hepatitis B, it is essential to tell about them.
- Pancreatitis: If you have had this condition before.
- Allergies: If you have allergies to these medications (`Lamivudine`, `Tenofovir`), other medications, foods, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about this.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is the most important part. To get the most out of the medicine, you need to use it exactly as directed.
- How to take: Swallow this tablet with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Decide according to your convenience.
- Regular time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, as your doctor tells you. Make this a habit.
- Don't skip doses: This is the most important thing. Don't miss a single dose. Don't stop taking your medicine even if you feel better. If you skip doses, the HIV virus can get used to the medicine. If that happens, it can develop resistance, which means the medicine won't work as well later. That's a big problem.
- Stopping: Never stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Take your medicine 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 two doses at once, i.e., a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you suspect that you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
Some other medications you are taking may affect the way this medicine works. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, traditional medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Problems can occur, in particular, with the following medications:
- Other HIV medications (such as `atazanavir`, `darunavir`, `emtricitabine`)
- Some antibiotics (such as `gentamicin`, `tobramycin`)
- Medicines for viral infections (such as `acyclovir`, `valacyclovir`)
- NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) for pain and inflammation
- Medicines for Hepatitis C (such as ledipasvir; sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir; velpatasvir)
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this one can have some side effects. Some are serious, some are common. The important thing is to be aware of these and take action quickly if necessary.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Liver problems | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, pale stools, extreme fatigue. |
| Kidney problems | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you produce. |
| Other serious symptoms | Signs of infection such as bone pain, difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or weakness, severe stomach pain with or without nausea, fever, and sore throat. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Psychological effects | Depressed mood. |
| Other | Diarrhea, headache, weight gain in the waist and back area, or thinning of the face, arms, and legs. |
Other things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
- Regular checkups: See your doctor on a regular basis so he or she can monitor your condition. While taking this medicine, you will need to have some important blood tests to check your kidneys, liver, and the amount of virus in your blood. Don't skip these.
- Hepatitis B: If you have both Hepatitis B and HIV, be sure to talk to your doctor before stopping this medication, as stopping this medication may worsen your Hepatitis B symptoms.
- HIV transmission: Remember that HIV is spread through sexual contact or blood. Talk openly with your doctor about safe ways to prevent it.
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time, and do not miss a single dose. This is essential for the success of your treatment.
- Although this is not a cure for HIV, it can help you control the virus very well and live a healthy life.
- Give your doctor a complete list of all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Be aware of the symptoms of severe side effects (especially liver and kidney related) and seek medical advice immediately if you notice any of these.
- Never skip scheduled medical checkups and blood tests.
- Do not stop taking this medication for any reason without your doctor's advice.
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