This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine is a combination of three antiretroviral medicines developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration for treating HIV-1 infection.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine is a combination of three antiretroviral medicines. Lamivudine and Zidovudine work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme of HIV, restricting viral genome replication, and reducing the production of new infectious viral particles. It mainly interferes with reverse transcription and inhibits the spread of HIV. Nevirapine directly binds to reverse transcriptase (RT) and blocks RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent polymerase activities by disrupting the enzyme. 

Uses of undefined

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.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

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.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

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.

Side Effects

The common side effects of Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine are nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, cough and difficulty sleeping.

Word Of Advice

Follow your doctor's instructions concerning high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and personal items with body fluids or blood on them, like toothbrushes, razor blades, and needles. It is advised to practice safe sex by using a condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, blood, or vaginal secretions. If you forgot to take the Lamivudine + Nevirapine + Zidovudine, take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. 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
  2. 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].
  3. HIV drug resistance database. Available at: https://hivdb.stanford.edu/pages/linksPages/NVP_3TC_AZT_GenericCombination.pdf  [ Accessed on 19th May 2023].
  4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs,7th edition, 2013, 806 - 811.
  5. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiretroviral agents and treatment of HIV infection, 12th edition, 2011, 1632-1644.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.