Duovir Tablet is a combination of two antiretrovirals. It is prescribed to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. It boosts up the immunity to fight against HIV to manage or treat AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Duovir Tablet restricts the growth of HIV in the body and reduces the risk of getting HIV-related complications to improve the lifespan of an individual. The medicine can be taken with or without food. Taking these medicines regularly at the same time increases their effectiveness. A dose of this medicine should not be missed as it can affect your recovery. It is important to complete the full course of the treatment until your doctor advises you to stop it.
Some of the most common side effects of this medicine are nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue. These side effects are generally temporary, but if they persist or become serious inform your doctor. This medicine can also make you feel dizzy or sleepy, so it is advised to avoid driving. Drinking plenty of fluid can help you to cope up with this side effect, so stay hydrated.
Before starting with the treatment, you should consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have any health condition. Your doctor may suggest regular laboratory tests to check your blood counts, kidney and liver functions, and other health conditions. If you are HIV positive, you should not breastfeed or share personal belongings like razors or toothbrushes. Consult your doctor to know about safe sex methods in order to prevent transmission of HIV during intercourse.
Duovir Tablet prevents the HIV virus from multiplying in your body. It helps control the infection and makes your immune system work better. This lowers your chances of getting complications such as new infections and improves your quality of life.
It is not a cure of HIV or AIDS and should not be used to prevent HIV after accidental exposure to a risk. It is important that you take this medicine as prescribed, following the dosage recommended by your doctor. Taking all doses in the right amount at the right times greatly increases the effectiveness of your combination of medicines and reduces the chances of your HIV infection becoming resistant to antiretroviral medicines. However, taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people.
Side effects of Duovir Tablet
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Duovir
Hypersensitivity
Nausea
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Abdominal pain
Abdominal cramp
Indigestion
Hair loss
Fever
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Headache
Fatigue
Cough
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Rash
Joint pain
Gastrointestinal disturbance
Muscle disorders
General discomfort
How to use Duovir Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Duovir Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Duovir Tablet works
Duovir Tablet is a combination of two anti-HIV medicines: Lamivudine and Zidovudine. They prevent HIV (virus) from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in your body. They also increase the CD4 cell (white blood cells that protect against infection) count in your blood.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Duovir Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Duovir Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Duovir Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Duovir Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Duovir Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Duovir Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Duovir Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Duovir Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Duovir Tablet is not recommended in patients with moderate to severe liver disease.
What if you forget to take Duovir Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Duovir Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine
Quick tips
Duovir Tablet is a combination of two medicines which slows down or stops the progression of HIV infections.
It may also be used for preventing HIV and should be started within 72 hours of exposure to HIV.
Take it with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body.
Duovir Tablet may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
Skipping doses increases the risk of treatment failure. Make sure that you take all your doses at the correct time.
Always practice safe sex while taking Duovir Tablet. Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
It may cause weakening of your bones. Exercise regularly and take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor.
Fact Box
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI INFECTIVES
Patient concerns
I had sex with unknown person two days before & got tested with p24 & Vdrl & result was non reactive, one had suggested to take Duovir tab for 30 days, I have pancreatitis & taking tablets Creon 1000 & Antoxid HC
i have unprotected sex with my friend. Can I take any drugs now to prevent any STD/HIV infection
Dr. Shyam Gupta
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Hello PATIENT to 1mg. There is some medicine for prophylactic but you need to see physician for prescription and better you check HIV status of both partner
hello, one of my frnd suffering with hiv infection from last 2yrs her cd4 is more than 470 and viral load is zero undetectable now she is using art medicines i have doubt that can we have to use art medicine in the whole life or can we stop it once we get viral load zero
Dr. Atula Gupta
Dermatology
You still need to be on ART even if the viral load is undetectable
What were the side-effects while using Duovir Tablet?
No Side Effec*
100%
*No Side Effect
How do you take Duovir Tablet?
With or witho*
100%
*With or without food
Please rate Duovir Tablet on price
Expensive
100%
FAQs
What is Duovir Tablet? What is it used for?
Duovir Tablet is a combination of two medicines that belong to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals. It is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It helps to control HIV infection so your immune system can work better.
How does Duovir Tablet work?
Duovir Tablet prevents the multiplication of the virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.
Is Duovir Tablet safe?
Duovir Tablet is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
How should I take Duovir Tablet?
Duovir Tablet should be taken in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. This medicine is to be taken on an empty stomach to get maximum benefit. It is better to take Duovir Tablet at a fixed time of the day to avoid the chances of missing a dose.
Is Duovir Tablet effective?
Duovir Tablet is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Duovir Tablet too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
What if I forget to take a dose of Duovir Tablet?
If you forget a dose of Duovir Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
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References
Lamivudine/zidovudine. South Ruislip, Middlesex: Milpharm Limited; 2013 [revised 24 Jul. 2017]. [Accessed 10 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Lamivudine/zidovudine. Hatfield, Hertfordshire: Generics UK T/A Mylan; 2011 [revised Oct. 2018]. [Accessed 10 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Lamivudine and zidovudine. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 1997 [revised 2015]. [Accessed on 10 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
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