Neutropenia and Anemia
Inform patients that the important toxicities associated with zidovudine are neutropenia and/or anemia. Inform them of the extreme importance of having their blood counts followed closely while on therapy, especially for patients with advanced HIV-1 disease
[see Boxed Warnings, Warnings and Precautions (
5.1)]
.
Myopathy
Inform patients that myopathy and myositis with pathological changes, similar to that produced by HIV-1 disease, have been associated with prolonged use of zidovudine
[see Warnings and Precautions (
5.2)].
Lactic Acidosis/Hepatomegaly:
Inform patients that some HIV medicines, including lamivudine and zidovudine tablet, can cause a rare, but serious condition called lactic acidosis with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly)
[see Warnings and Precautions (
5.3)].
Patients with Hepatitis B or C Co-infection
Advise patients co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV that worsening of liver disease has occurred in some cases when treatment with lamivudine was discontinued. Advise patients to discuss any changes in regimen with their physician
[see Warnings and Precautions (
5.4)].
Inform patients with HIV-1/HCV co-infection that hepatic decompensation (some fatal) has occurred in HIV-1/HCV co-infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 and interferon alfa with or without ribavirin
[see Warnings and Precautions (
5.6)].
Related Products that are Not Recommended
Inform patients that they should not take lamivudine and zidovudine tablets with ATRIPLA
®,COMPLERA
®, DUTREBIS
TM, EMTRIVA
®, EPIVIR-HBV
®, EPZICOM
®, STRIBILD
®, TRIUMEQ
®, TRIZIVIR
®, or TRUVADA
® [see Warnings and Precautions (
5.5)].
Drug Interactions
Caution patients about the use of other medications, including ganciclovir, interferon alfa, and ribavirin, which may exacerbate the toxicity of zidovudine
[see Drug Interactions (7.3)].
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
In some patients with advanced HIV infection, signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections may occur soon after anti-HIV treatment is started. It is believed that these symptoms are due to an improvement in the body's immune response, enabling the body to fight infections that may have been present with no obvious symptoms. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider immediately of any symptoms of infection
[see Warnings and Precautions (
5.8)].
Redistribution/Accumulation of Body Fat
Inform patients that redistribution or accumulation of body fat may occur in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy and that the cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time
[see Warnings and Precautions (
5.9)].
Information about HIV-1 Infection
Lamivudine and Zidovudine tablet is not a cure for HIV-1 infection and patients may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. Patients must remain on continuous HIV therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illness. Inform patients that sustained decreases in plasma HIV-1 RNA have been associated with a reduced risk of progression to AIDS and death.
Advise patients to remain under the care of a physician when using lamivudine and zidovudine tablets.
Advise patients to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed.
Advise patients to avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others.
Advise patients not to re-use or share needles or other injection equipment.
Advise patients not to share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades.
Advise patients to always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.
Female patients should be advised not to breastfeed. Mothers with HIV-1 should not breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk.
Instruct patients that if they miss a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember. If they do not remember until it is time for the next dose, they should be instructed to skip the missed dose and go back to the regular schedule. Patients should not double their next dose or take more than the prescribed dose.
EPZICOM, TRIUMEQ, and TRIZIVIR are registered trademarks of the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.
The other brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Hetero Labs Limited. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse Hetero Labs Limited or its products.
Manufactured for:
Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Piscataway, NJ 08854.
Manufactured by:
HETERO
TM
HETERO LABS LIMITED
22-110, I.D.A., Jeedimetla,
Hyderabad – 500 055, India.
or
Manufactured by:
HETERO LABS LIMITED
Unit V, Polepally, Jadcherla,
Mahaboob nagar-509 301, India.
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