Lamivudine/Zidovudine Tablets USP 150 mg/300 mg Tablet (Lamivudine; Zidovudine) — Uses, Dosage & NAFDAC

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Lamivudine/Zidovudine is a combination of two antiretroviral (anti-HIV) medicines in one tablet that work together to reduce the amount of HIV virus in your blood by blocking the virus from making copies of itself.

What is it used for?

HIV/AIDS treatmentused alongside other antiretroviral drugs to keep the virus under control and help your immune system stay strong

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How it works

Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase by competing with natural nucleotides and causing chain termination during viral DNA synthesis, preventing replication of the virus and reducing viral load.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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How to take this drug

Adults take 1 tablet twice a day (morning and evening), about 12 hours apart. You can take it with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce stomach upset. Do not skip doses — take it at the same time every day to keep the drug working properly.

What if I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.

What to watch out for

Always collect your ARV drugs from a hospital, government health centre, or trusted pharmacy — never buy HIV medicines from roadside sellers or unverified sources, as fake drugs are dangerous. Never stop taking this medicine because you feel better — HIV drugs must be taken every day for life to stay effective. Do not share your medication with anyone, even if they also have HIV, as their doctor may prescribe a different combination.

Common Side Effects

Headache
nausea or feeling like vomiting
tiredness or body weakness
stomach pain
and difficulty sleeping

Serious Side Effects

Severe body weakness with muscle pain and swollen belly (this could be a dangerous condition called lactic acidosis — go to hospital immediately)
unusual paleness or feeling very dizzy (sign of serious low blood count/anaemia)
yellowing of eyes or skin (sign of liver problems — seek medical help right away)

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking with stavudine (d4T), as it reduces how well this medicine works. Be cautious with co-trimoxazole (Septrin), which is commonly used in Nigeria — your doctor may need to monitor your blood. Avoid alcohol, as it can worsen liver side effects and make you feel more tired.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

This drug may be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding as part of HIV treatment to protect you and your baby, but only under a doctor's supervision — do not start or stop it on your own.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to lamivudine or zidovudine
people with very low red blood cell count (severe anaemia) or very low white blood cell count
and people with serious liver problems. Newborns below a certain weight should not use the fixed-dose tablet form.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in a car or near a window. Keep the tablets in their original container and always keep out of reach of children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Lamivudine/Zidovudine Tablets USP 150 mg/300 mg