ZIDOVEX L TABLET

ZIDOVEX L TABLET belongs to the class of medicines called 'anti-retroviral agents', used for the treatment of immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It only prevents the virus from multiplying in your body.

ZIDOVEX L TABLET contains lamivudine and zidovudine. ZIDOVEX L TABLET works by preventing HIV (virus) from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in your body. They also increase the CD4 cell (white blood cells that protect against infection) count in your blood.

Take ZIDOVEX L TABLET as advised by your doctor. ZIDOVEX L TABLET may cause common side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, headache, fatigue, cough, a feeling of discomfort, and nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Most of these side effects gradually resolve over time and do not require medical attention. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor immediately.

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components in ZIDOVEX L TABLET. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you have kidney, liver, or pancreatic disease. Please tell your doctor if you have a low red blood cell count (anaemia), low white blood cell count (neutropenia), osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply), or lactic acidosis.

ZIDOVEX L TABLET contains a combination of two medicines, namely: lamivudine and zidovudine, that belong to the group of medications called anti-retroviral agents. ZIDOVEX L TABLET is primarily used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. ZIDOVEX L TABLET works by preventing HIV (virus) from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in your body. They also increase the CD4 cell (white blood cells that protect against infection) count in your blood.

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness
• Lack of energy
• Fever (high temperature)
• Headache
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Muscle pain and discomfort
• Joint pain
• Feeling of discomfort
• Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
• Irritated or runny nose

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components in ZIDOVEX L TABLET. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you have kidney, liver, pancreatic, or bone marrow suppression. Please tell your doctor if you have a low red blood cell count (anaemia), low white blood cell count (neutropenia), osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply), lactic acidosis, or opportunistic infections. ZIDOVEX L TABLET may cause muscle disorders, especially when used for a long period. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any disease of the muscles or muscle weakness. If you experience muscle pain or muscle weakness, call your doctor immediately.

Drug-Drug Interaction: ZIDOVEX L TABLET may interact with other antiretroviral (didanosine, efavirenz), antibiotic (atovaquone, clarithromycin, ganciclovir), anti-fungal (cotrimoxazole, fluconazole), anti-mycobacterial (rifampicin), anti-convulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid), anti-histamines (ranitidine, cimetidine), cytotoxics (cladribine), opioids (methadone), uricosuric (probenecid), anti-cancer (methotrexate), anti-lipemic (atorvastatin, fenofibrate), anti-psychotic (clozapine).

Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found/established. 

Drug-Disease Interaction: Before taking ZIDOVEX L TABLET, let your doctor know if you have any kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatic disease, bone marrow suppression, low red blood cell count (anaemia), low white blood cell count (neutropenia), osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply), lactic acidosis or muscle disorders.

• DIDANOSINE
• EFAVIRENZ
• ATOVAQUONE
• CLARITHROMYCIN
• GANCICLOVIR
• COTRIMOXAZOLE
• FLUCONAZOLE
• RIFAMPICIN
• PHENOBARBITAL
• PHENYTOIN
• VALPROIC ACID
• RANITIDINE
• CIMETIDINE
• CLADRIBINE
• PROBENECID
• METHOTREXATE
• ATORVASTATIN
• FENOFIBRATE
• CLOZAPINE

• Take a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
• Choose lean, low-fat sources of protein.
• Limit sweets, soft drinks, and foods with added sugar. 
• Take proteins, carbohydrates, and a good little fat in all meals and snacks in your regular diet.
• Avoid eating raw eggs, meats, or seafood (including sushi and oysters/shellfish).
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Use a separate cutting board for raw meats.
• Wash hands, utensils, and cutting boards with soap and water after each use.
• Exercise regularly. 
• Avoid excessive alcohol and quit smoking.

• Skipping doses of ZIDOVEX L TABLET may increase the risk of treatment failure. Make sure that you take all your doses at the correct time.
• Always practice safe sex while taking ZIDOVEX L TABLET. Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
• Exercise regularly and take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor because ZIDOVEX L TABLET may cause the weakening of your bones.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus): HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, recurrent fevers, night sweats, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, skin rashes, recurrent oral or vaginal yeast infections, and pneumonia. The human immunodeficiency virus causes HIV infection. You can get HIV from contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Most people get the virus by having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV.