EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE
About EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE
EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE belongs to the class of medications called ‘antiretroviral agents’ used to treat HIV infection. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune cells of the body leading to decreased immunity. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid and blood. Symptoms include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat that usually last for days to several weeks.
EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE is a combination of three medicines: Efavirenz, zidovudine, and lamivudine. These drugs belong to a group of medicines called nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors. They work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme from working, which is required by the HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. This effect helps to inhibit viral replication.
You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE may cause side effects such as headache, tiredness, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, nightmare, muscle damage, and anemia (low number of red blood cells). Inform your doctor if any of these side effects persist or get worse.
It is not recommended to take EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE if you are allergic to any contents of it. Before taking EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE, inform your doctor if you have any liver disease, hepatitis B or C (liver infections), a history of mental illness, or are seriously overweight and have kidney disease. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE should not be given to children below 2 years of age. EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE should be used with caution in elderly patients. Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects. EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Uses of EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE
Medicinal Benefits
EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE belongs to the group of medicines called antiretroviral therapy (ART). EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE contains efavirenz, zidovudine and lamivudine. These drugs belong to a group of medicines called nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors. They work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme from working, which is required by the HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. Thereby preventing viral replication and controlling the infection. It helps in improving the quality of life of a patient with HIV.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Muscle damage
- Anemia
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition and there is no definite cure for it. However, it can be controlled by treating with antiretroviral agents.
FAQs
EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE is a combination of three medicines: Efavirenz, zidovudine, and lamivudine. These three drugs work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme from working, which is required by the HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. Thereby preventing viral replication and controlling the infection.
EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE may cause side-effects such as abnormal dreams, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, blurred vision, whistling, ringing, aching muscles, difficulty in sleeping, hair loss, cough, feeling breathless. Inform your doctor if any of these side-effects persist or get worse.
EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE doesn’t cure HIV infection. However, it helps to control the disease and prevent opportunistic infections.
EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE may cause lactic acidosis (excess of lactic acid in the blood), a rare but a severe side effect, especially in women who are very obese. However, if you experience stomach pain, vomiting or nausea while taking EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE, please consult a doctor immediately.
No, EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause unpleasant side effects. If you think your symptoms are not improving, please consult your doctor.
If you miss a dose of EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do not stop taking EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking EFAVIRENZ+ZIDOVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE, you may experience confusion, fever, mental state changes or severe muscle stiffness. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually depending upon your disease condition.
