DUOVIR N TABLET

Introduction:

Duovir N Tablet is a combination drug containing the active constituents lamivudine 150mg, nevirapine 200mg, and zidovudine 300mg. It is used to treat HIV – 1 infection. HIV – 1 is Human immunodeficiency virus that attacks and destroys the cells involved in the immune system; the body’s ability to fight against infections decreases and leads to death if untreated properly. This medicine is not recommended for patients suffering from 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 if you are overweight. The administration of Duovir N Tablet is associated with hematologic toxicity (decrease in blood cells), muscle weakness, liver diseases and infection and lactic acidosis (acid buildup due to problem in the body’s metabolism). It is not recommended in the children less than 35 kg. 

Do not share personal objects such as razors or toothbrushes with anyone. Do not breastfeed. Treatment with Duovir N Tablet often causes loss of fat from legs, arms, and face; when these signs occur, the medicine should be stopped. Consult your doctor about safe sex practices.

Uses of Duovir N Tablet:

• Treatment of HIV – 1 infection

How Duovir N Tablet works:

This medicine works by inhibiting the enzyme reverse transcriptase, thereby inhibiting the replication of viral particles in the body and treats the infection.

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More information:

• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Store below 30°C in light resistant containers.

References:

1. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs,7th edition, 2013, 806 - 811.
2. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basics of Therapeutics, Antiretroviral agents and treatment of HIV infection, 12th edition, 2011, 1632-1644.
3. Micro Labs USA Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on August 2018] [ Accessed on 12th April 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/...
4. Milpharm Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on September 2020] [ Accessed on 12th April 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2998.pdf

How to use Duovir N Tablet:

Take the medicine in the dose and duration prescribed by your physician. Swallow it as a whole tablet. Do not break, crush or chew the tablets. Tablet may be taken with or without food.

Safety advice:

Pregnancy: 

This medicine may cause side effects in unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking the Duovir N Tablet. The doctor will explain the potential risks and benefits.

Breast feeding:

Breastfeeding is not recommended because the viral infection can pass through the breast milk.

Liver:

Inform you physician if you ever had liver diseases, including hepatitis B or C.

Kidney: 

Inform your physician if you have any kidney disorders.

Driving: 

Avoid driving if you are feeling unwell, as this medicine may make u feel dizzy and less alert.

Others:

• Do not share personal objects such as razor or tooth brush with anyone.
• Consult your doctor about safe sex practices.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious: 

• Lactic acidosis (breathing difficulties along with weakness in limbs, stomach pain, vomiting, drowsiness)
• Severe skin reactions and rash (blisters, red or inflamed eye, swelling of the face, mouth sores, joint aches, fever, tiredness)
• Liver problems (yellowing of skin, eyes, fever, tea colored urine, light colored stools, pain in right side of ribs, loss of appetite)
• Osteonecrosis (stiffness and pain in joints, difficulty moving)
• Symptoms of muscle weakness or infection
• Loss of fat from legs, face and arms

Common:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache, dizziness
• Cough
• Difficulty sleeping