DUOVIR Tablet 10’s

What is Duovir Tablet?

Duovir Tablet is an antiretroviral prescription utilized in the treatment of HIV contamination. It contains two dynamic fixings: Lamivudine (150 mg) and Zidovudine (300 mg). These belong to the class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which work by inhibiting the replication of the HIV virus in the body, helping to manage and control the infection.

What are the Benefits of Using Duovir Tablet?

1. HIV Management:
   • Helps reduce the viral load in the body, enhancing immune function.
2. Prevention of Disease Progression:
   • Delays the onset of complications related to HIV, such as opportunistic infections.
3. Combination Therapy:
   • Simplifies treatment by combining two effective drugs into a single tablet.
4. Improves Quality of Life:
   • Promotes better health outcomes and enhances the life expectancy of HIV patients.

How to Use Duovir Tablet?

1. Dosage:
   • The typical dose is one tablet twice daily, or as prescribed by your doctor.
2. Administration:
   • Take the tablet with or without food but try to take it at the same times each day to maintain consistent drug levels in your body.
   • Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
3. Duration:
   • It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment and continue as directed by your doctor. Stopping suddenly may lead to resistance or worsening of the infection.

Strengths and Substitutes for Duovir Tablet

Strengths:

• Lamivudine 150 mg + Zidovudine 300 mg in a fixed-dose combination.

Substitutes:
If Duovir Tablet is unavailable, similar medications include:

1. Combivir Tablet
2. Lamivudine and Zidovudine Tablets (generic)
3. Duovir-N Tablet (contains Nevirapine as an additional component)

What are the Side Effects of Duovir Tablet?

1. Common Side Effects:
   • Nausea or vomiting.
   • Fatigue or weakness.
   • Headache.
   • Diarrhea.
2. Less Common Side Effects:
   • Muscle pain or weakness.
   • Abdominal pain.
   • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
3. Rare but Serious Side Effects:
   • Lactic acidosis (symptoms: weakness, stomach pain, trouble breathing).
   • Serious sickliness or neutropenia (side effects: weakness, fair skin, windedness).
   • Liver damage (symptoms: yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine).

Safety Advice for Duovir Tablet

1. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
   • Can be used during pregnancy under medical supervision to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
   • Not recommended during breastfeeding, as the virus can be transmitted through breast milk.
2. Alcohol:
   • Keep away from liquor as it can expand the gamble of incidental effects like liver harm.
3. Drug Interactions:
   • Inform your doctor about other medications you’re taking, as Duovir may interact with drugs like ribavirin, doxorubicin, or stavudine.
4. Health Monitoring:
   • Regular blood tests are required to monitor liver function, blood counts, and viral load during treatment.
5. Immune Reconstitution Syndrome:
   • In some cases, the immune system may become overactive and trigger inflammation as it starts to recover.
6. Adherence:
   • Adhere strictly to the prescribed regimen to avoid resistance and ensure the medication’s effectiveness.

FAQs 

1. Can Duovir cure HIV?

• No, Duovir does not cure HIV but helps manage the infection and reduces the viral load, improving quality of life.

2. How long should I take Duovir?

• HIV treatment is typically lifelong. Duovir ought to be taken as endorsed by your PCP however long suggested.

3. Can I stop taking Duovir if my symptoms improve?

• No, stopping the medication can lead to drug resistance and worsen the infection. Always consult your doctor before making changes.

4. Can Duovir be taken on an empty stomach?

• Yes, it can be taken with or without food but taking it with food may help reduce nausea.

5. What should I do if I miss multiple doses?

• Contact your doctor immediately for guidance, as missing multiple doses can affect treatment efficacy.

6. Is Duovir safe for children?

• Yes, but the dosage will be adjusted based on the child’s weight and medical condition.

7. What precautions should I take while on Duovir?

• Use additional methods to prevent the spread of HIV, such as safe sex practices and not sharing needles.

8. Can Duovir cause fatigue?

• Yes, fatigue is a common side effect, especially during the initial stages of treatment.

9. Does Duovir interact with other antiretroviral drugs?

• It can, so ensure your doctor knows all the medications in your regimen.

10. Can I drink alcohol while taking Duovir?

• Avoid alcohol as it may worsen side effects like liver damage or fatigue.