Uses of Lamivudine+Tenofovir

The combination of Lamivudine and Tenofovir is indicated for the management of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus) infection in adults and children aged above 18 years. It is also used in combination with other antiretroviral agents.                 

Therapeutic Category

Lamivudine: Antiviral agents (Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTIs))

Tenofovir    : Antiviral agents (Nucleotide analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs))

How Lamivudine+Tenofovir works

Lamivudine + Tenofovir helps to manage HIV infection, where lamivudine and tenofovir inhibit the activity of reverse transcriptase enzyme (used by HIV for making copies of it) after incorporation into viral DNA, causes DNA chain termination and works against the virus.    

Common side effects of Lamivudine+Tenofovir

• nausea, vomiting
• headache
• diarrhea, stomach pain
• bloating, flatulence
• tiredness or lack of energy
• dizziness
• fever, feeling of being unwell
• muscle pain and discomfort
• joint pain
• difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
• cough, runny nose
• rash
• hair loss

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience lactic acidosis (symptoms include feeling very weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, breathing difficulty, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, feeling cold, especially in your arms and legs, dizziness or lightheadedness, rapid heart rate)
• If you experience liver disease (hepatomegaly or steatosis) such as yellowing of skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or tea coloured urine, light-coloured stools, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain 
• If you experience pancreatitis (symptoms include severe upper stomach-area pain, with or without nausea and vomiting)

Health Tips for Lamivudine+Tenofovir

• Take Lamivudine + Tenofovir exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow the specified dosage and regimen. Do not change the dosage or discontinue the medicine without first consulting your doctor   
• Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Lamivudine + Tenofovir as it can aggravate your existing condition
• Do not drive or operate any machines, if you feel dizziness, after taking Lamivudine + Tenofovir
• Follow contraceptive measures to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others or contracting other sexually transmitted infections
• Never share needles or personal objects that may come into contact with blood if you inject drugs
• Lamivudine + Tenofovir is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered clearly necessary and it is not recommended for use in breast-feeding women as it may pass through the breast milk
• Before taking Lamivudine + Tenofovir inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken prescription medicines, over the counter drugs (OTC), supplements including herbal products as it may interact with each other leading to potential decrease in therapeutic effectiveness or increase the risk of any unusual effects