Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate belong to the class of antiretroviral or antiviral medicine which treats HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection.

Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate has been developed to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1).  It is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and works by inhibiting the enzymes (HIV reverse transcriptase) important for virus replication. This tablet is not studied in patients over 65 years of age.

Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate tablet are always taken at the dose recommended by your doctor or health care provider. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on the medical condition because it differs for each person. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet. 

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate tablet are headach, stomach pain, tiredness, bloating, flatulence, low phosphate levels in the blood, diarrhea,  dizziness, joint pain, sickness, rash, weakness.

Some serious adverse reactions include kidney damage, deep, rapid breathing, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, lactic acidosis (excess lactic acid), infection, increased liver enzymesIf you experience any allergic reactions after taking this tablet, report to your doctor immediately.

Do not consume Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate tablet if you have experienced allergic reactions to Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, peanuts, or soya, (as this medicine contains lecithin) or any of its other medical ingredients. During the Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood counts, bone mineral density, a history of the liver (chronic hepatitis B or C), and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of heart failure, bone disease, fractures, liver or kidney problems.

Adults of childbearing potential should consider using an effective contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, your physician might suggest an alternative treatment, as this medication is not recommended during early pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not recommended due to the potential transmission of HIV from the mother to the baby. Inform your doctor about your underlying infections. If you have advanced HIV (AIDS), you may develop signs of infection and inflammation or worsen the signs of an existing infection once treatment is started. Report your doctor for side effects.

Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate can make you feel dizzy and tired. Hence, you should avoid driving or handling machines during this treatment. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider before taking the tablet. This medication does not reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. You must continue the medication to avoid this complication.

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basics of Therapeutics, Antiretroviral agents and treatment of HIV infection, 12th edition, 2011, 1632-1634.
2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 809-810.
3. Cipla (EU) Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc), [ Revised on October 2017] [ Accessed on Accessed on 20th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10500.pdf

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 are eligible to receive this treatment.