Lamivudine+stavudine
About Lamivudine+stavudine
Lamivudine+stavudine belongs to a class of antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection. Lamivudine+stavudine helps decrease the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help fight infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses.
Lamivudine+stavudine contains Lamivudine and Stavudine. Both Lamivudine and Stavudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Lamivudine+stavudine works by interfering with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes necessary for virus reproduction. Together, Lamivudine+stavudine helps treat HIV infections.
Lamivudine+stavudine is a prescription medication. You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side effects of Lamivudine+stavudine are nausea, anorexia (an eating disorder), vomiting, dyspepsia (indigestion), abdominal pain, rash, fever, malaise (general discomfort), asthenia (weakness), headache, and insomnia. Most of these side effects of Lamivudine+stavudine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Lamivudine+stavudine is not recommended to take Lamivudine+stavudine if you are allergic to any of its contents. Lamivudine+stavudine may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy. Consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of side effects; therefore, avoid alcohol consumption. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Lamivudine+stavudine. Talk to your doctor about effective birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Lamivudine+stavudine, call your doctor immediately. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking Lamivudine+stavudine. Lamivudine+stavudine is not recommended for use in children.
Uses of Lamivudine+stavudine
Medicinal Benefits
Lamivudine+stavudine is a combination of two drugs, Lamivudine and Stavudine, used to treat HIV infection. Both Lamivudine and Stavudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Lamivudine+stavudine interferes with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes necessary for virus reproduction. Thus, Lamivudine+stavudine helps treat HIV infections. Taking Lamivudine+stavudine along with practising safe sex and lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of getting or transmitting HIV to others.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lamivudine+stavudine
- Nausea
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Gas
- Unusual weight loss or gain
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Muscle weakness
Drug Warnings
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Lamivudine+stavudine. Before taking the Lamivudine+stavudine, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. Lamivudine+stavudine is not recommended for children. You are advised to take proper precautions if you are infected with HIV to prevent infection from spreading to others through sexual contact or body fluids. Stavudine in Lamivudine+stavudine can cause significant or fatal lactic acidosis (a buildup of acid in the blood), which will most likely require hospitalization. Lactic acidosis is more likely to develop if you are a woman, overweight, or have been treated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs for an extended time. If you are pregnant and taking stavudine in addition to didanosine, your risk may increase. Inform your doctor if you have or have previously had a liver illness, which includes hepatitis C virus infection.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lamivudine+stavudine may interact with antirheumatic drugs (e.g. leflunomide, teriflunomide), antifungal medications (e.g. ketoconazole, levoketoconazole), lipid-lowering drugs (e.g. lomitapide) and certain other antiviral medications (e.g. emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Lamivudine+stavudine may interact with alcohol and alcohol-containing beverages. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake and Lamivudine+stavudine as it may increase the risk of adverse effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Lamivudine+stavudine may interact with disease conditions, including hepatotoxicity (injury to the liver or impairment of the liver function), pancreatitis (Pancreas inflammation), and renal dysfunction (kidney dysfunction).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol should be avoided.
Pregnancy
unsafeLamivudine+stavudine is not suggested during pregnancy. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Lamivudine+stavudine. Ask your doctor about effective birth control options that you can use during your therapy. If you become pregnant while taking Lamivudine+stavudine, call your doctor right away.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking Lamivudine+stavudine.
Driving
cautionLamivudine+stavudine may cause dizziness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy after taking Lamivudine+stavudine.
Liver
cautionTake Lamivudine+stavudine with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases. Inform your doctor if you have liver impairment. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionTake Lamivudine+stavudine with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeLamivudine+stavudine is not recommended for children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practise safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
- Never share personal items with body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
- Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.
- Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis, as they can make you prone to HIV infection.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich foods such as dark green, yellow, orange, and red vegetables and fruits as it helps to boost your immune system. Opt for lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
- Eat bland and low-fat foods, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
- Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with your family or doing whatever makes you happy.
Special Advise
- Attend every appointment with your doctor and laboratory. Your doctor will ask for tests to evaluate your body's response to Lamivudine and Stavudine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help fight infection, 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. HIV 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. However, it can be controlled by treating it with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Lamivudine+stavudine is used to treat HIV infection.
Lamivudine+stavudine contains Lamivudine and Stavudine. Lamivudine+stavudine works by interfering with the functioning of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes, which are necessary to reproduce the virus. Together, Lamivudine+stavudine helps treat HIV infections.
Lamivudine+stavudine does not cure HIV infection. Lamivudine+stavudine reduces the amount of HIV in the body and improves the immune system's functioning.
HIV infection may still be transmitted to other persons while using Lamivudine+stavudine. Lamivudine+stavudine reduces the risk of transmission, but still, HIV infection is contagious. Therefore, discuss with a doctor regarding precautions to avoid transmission of HIV while taking Lamivudine+stavudine.
Do not stop taking Lamivudine+stavudine without consulting your doctor and without completing the prescribed course, as abrupt stopping may worsen your condition or it can lead to other infections. If you find difficulty using Lamivudine+stavudine, seek immediate medical help.
Lamivudine+stavudine is a combination medication that belongs to the group of medications called antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection. It helps to reduce the risk of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Both lamivudine and stavudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They work by inhibiting the activity of reverse transcriptase enzymes, which are essential for the replication of HIV. Together, they help treat HIV infections.
Yes, Lamivudine+stavudine is safe if taken in the dose and duration exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
Lamivudine+stavudine should be taken orally. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush or break it.
Yes, Lamivudine+stavudine is effective in treating HIV infection as it contains nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that work by blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is necessary for the virus to replicate. This helps to prevent the progression of AIDS, and improves immune function. However, the effectiveness of Lamivudine+stavudine may vary depending on the individual and their specific condition.
If you forget to take a dose of Lamivudine+stavudine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose.
The side effects of Lamivudine+stavudine include anorexia (an eating disorder), nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia (indigestion), abdominal pain, rash, fever, malaise (general discomfort), asthenia (weakness), headache, and insomnia. Consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
