What is Duovir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine) used for?

Duovir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine) contains a combination of two antiviral medications that are prescribed to treat patients with HIV. It operates by destroying or slowing the reproduction of HIV cells in the body allowing the immune system to control the infection more easily. It should be noted that this treatment is only meant to control your condition and will not fully eliminate the infection. Your physician may prescribe it for other unlisted purposes, as well.

How should I use Duovir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine)?

Always follow your physician's instructions while using Duovir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine) to get the most effective results from treatment. The typical dosage is one tablet taken daily, but your individual directions will be determined by your health condition and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed with a large glass of water and may be taken on an empty stomach. Never crush, split, or chew the tablets before use to avoid unintentionally destroying or altering the effects of their contents. Ask your physician if pharmacist any questions you have about the medication to ensure the correct administration.

What are the side effects of Duovir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine)?

Side effects that may occur while using Duovir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine) include:

• Headaches
• Mild nausea
• Upset stomach or diarrhea
• Cold or flu symptoms
• Unusual weight gain or changes in body fat locations

More serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are faintness, confusion, sensitive skin, easier bruising, increased sweating, unusual weight loss, appearance of a goiter, severe fatigue, tingling sensations, insomnia, pancreatitis, severe skin reactions, or signs of liver problems such as jaundice or discolored stools. Immediately inform your physician as soon as you experience any unusual or worrying side effects to ensure the correct changes are made to your dosage or application frequency to prevent further complications from occurring.

Please Note

Duovir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine) should not be used to treat patients who are children, who have low hemoglobin levels in the blood, or low white blood cell counts in the blood. You are also suggested to inform your physician if you are elderly, an obese woman, or have a vitamin B12 deficiency, hepatitis, a history of alcohol abuse, an enlarged liver, liver disease, decreased kidney function, or decreased liver disease. These conditions may cause unexpected health complications requiring special adjustments to your regimen.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Duovir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.