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Duovir Tablet is used to treat HIV infection. It contains Lamivudine and Zidovudine which work by preventing the virus from multiplying, thereby reducing viral load in the body. In some cases, this medicine may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, headache, fatigue, cough, a feeling of discomfort, and stuffy nose. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any other medication, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

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Written By Bayyarapu Mahesh Kumar , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Cipla Ltd

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

NPPA :

Regulated

About Duovir Tablet

Duovir Tablet is a prescription oral tablet used to help manage Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Its primary medical purpose is to control the replication of the virus in your body, which helps protect and support your immune system. By keeping the viral load (the amount of HIV in your blood) low, this medicine prevents the condition from progressing and helps you stay healthier. Duovir Tablet is usually prescribed with other HIV medicines as part of a combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen, rather than on its own, to help achieve the best control of HIV and reduce the risk of drug resistance.

For this medicine to work effectively, you must take it every single day exactly as your doctor instructs. Skipping doses can cause the virus to become resistant, making future treatment more difficult. You can take this tablet with or without food, but keeping a consistent daily schedule is key. Alongside this treatment, incorporating a highly nutritious diet and practising safe habits are vital lifestyle changes that support your overall recovery.

While taking Duovir Tablet , you might experience mild, temporary issues like an upset stomach, mild headaches, or feeling unusually tired. However, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience serious side effects. These include severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea, extreme muscle weakness, or yellowing of your skin and eyes, which require immediate medical evaluation.

Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in this medicine. Before you start treatment, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver damage, kidney issues, or low red blood cell counts. Certain conditions may require your doctor to adjust your monitoring plan or consider alternative treatments.

This medicine can interact with other prescription drugs and alcohol, which may increase your risk of serious side effects, including liver problems. Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you use before starting treatment. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual, you must consult your doctor before starting Duovir Tablet to ensure it is safe for your specific situation.

Uses of Duovir Tablet

Duovir Tablet is used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The detailed use of Duovir Tablet is as follows:

  • HIV-1 Infection Management: Duovir Tablet is prescribed to control the spread of the virus inside the body. It helps lower the overall viral load, allowing the immune system to rebuild its strength and defend against opportunistic infections.

Key Benefits

Duovir Tablet helps control HIV infection by lowering the amount of virus in the body when used with other HIV medicines as part of a complete treatment plan.

Benefits may include:

  • Helps lower the amount of HIV in the body.
  • Supports a stronger immune system by protecting immune cells.
  • Reduces the risk of serious infections related to HIV.
  • Improves overall health and quality of life with consistent treatment.
  • Promotes long-term control of HIV when used as part of combination therapy.
  • Provides the convenience of two HIV medicines in a single tablet, helping simplify treatment.
Side effects of Duovir Tablet
Dealing with Medication-Induced Headache:
  • Hydrate your body: Drink enough water to prevent dehydration and headaches.
  • Calm Your Mind: Deep breathing and meditation can help you relax and relieve stress.
  • Rest and Recharge: Sleep for 7-8 hours to reduce headache triggers.
  • Take rest: lie down in a quiet, dark environment.
  • Cold or warm compresses can help reduce tension.
  • Stay Upright: Maintain good posture to keep symptoms from getting worse.
  • To treat headaches naturally, try acupuncture or massage therapy.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
  • Prescription Assistance: Speak with your doctor about more substantial drug alternatives.
  • Severe Headaches: Seek emergency medical assistance for sudden, severe headaches.
  • Frequent Headaches: If you get reoccurring headaches, consult your doctor.
  • Headaches with Symptoms: Seek medical attention if your headaches include fever, disorientation, or weakness.
  • Include omega-3 rich foods like fatty fish, ground flax, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.
  • Consume calcium-rich dairy products for bone health.
  • Eat green and leafy vegetables for essential nutrients.
  • Include lean protein sources like eggs and whole grains.
  • Use herbs and spices for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Choose fortified foods for extra nutritional benefits.
  • Get plenty of sleep for overall health and well-being.
Overcome Medication-Induced Nausea: A 9-Step Plan
  • Inform your doctor about the nausea and discuss possible alternatives to the medication or adjustments to the dosage.
  • Divide your daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to reduce nausea.
  • Opt for bland, easily digestible foods like crackers, toast, plain rice, bananas, and applesauce.
  • Avoid certain foods that can trigger nausea, such as fatty, greasy, spicy, and smelly foods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or sports drinks.
  • Use ginger (tea, ale, or candies) to help relieve nausea.
  • Get adequate rest and also avoid strenuous activities that can worsen nausea.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication if your nausea is severe.
  • Record when your nausea occurs, what triggers it, and what provides relief to help you identify patterns and manage your symptoms more effectively.
Managing Medication-Triggered Pancreatitis: A Step-by-Step Guide:
  • If you take medication and get severe stomach pain, feel nauseous, vomit, or have a fever, get emergency medical help right away. This could be a sign of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas.
  • Your doctor may alter your treatment plan, provide supportive therapy, or prescribe alternative medications to manage the reaction. They will also perform regular tests to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.
  • Follow your doctor's advice, including dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes, and avoid triggers like alcohol and fatty foods.
  • Monitor your condition closely and promptly report any changes, worsening symptoms, or concerns to your healthcare provider.
  • If you have excess nerve pain and numbness, soak in Epsom salt and warm water. This can help ease the pain and associated discomfort.
  • Use compression socks and make sure to rest for a while to get relief from pain.
  • Avoid smoking and intake of alcohol or fluids that aggravate the pain.
  • Massage your feet or affected area often to get relief from pain. Take the medication prescribed by your doctor without fail.
To prevent, manage, and treat Constipation caused by medication usage, follow these steps:
  • Preventing Vomiting (Before it Happens)
  • Take medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This can help minimize side effects, including vomiting.
  • Having a small meal before taking your medication can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication along with your prescribed medication.
  • Managing Vomiting (If it Happens)
  • Try taking ginger in the form of tea, ale, or candy to help alleviate nausea and vomiting.
  • What to Do if Vomiting Persists
  • Consult your doctor if vomiting continues or worsens, consult the doctor for guidance on adjusting your medication or additional treatment.
Here's a comprehensive approach to managing medication-triggered fever:
  • Inform your doctor immediately if you experience a fever after starting a new medication.
  • Your doctor may adjust your medication regimen or dosage as needed to minimize fever symptoms.
  • Monitor your body temperature to monitor fever progression.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or electrolyte-rich beverages, to help your body regulate temperature.
  • Get plenty of rest and engage in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help manage fever symptoms.
  • Under the guidance of your doctor, consider taking medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help reduce fever.
  • If your fever is extremely high (over 103°F), or if you experience severe symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Directions for Use

  • Duovir Tablet can be taken with or without food.
  • It is recommended to take Duovir Tablet twice daily or as advised by your doctor.
  • Swallow Duovir Tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
  • Do not crush, chew, or break it.

How Duovir Tablet Works

This combination medicine contains two antiviral medicines, lamivudine and zidovudine, which work together to stop HIV from making copies of itself. Both belong to a group of HIV medicines called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Lamivudine: Inside HIV-infected helper T-cells and other immune cells, lamivudine acts as a faulty building block when HIV tries to copy its genetic material. This prevents the virus from completing the copying process, reducing its ability to make new viruses.
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Alcohol

Caution

Duovir Tablet with alcohol can cause unpleasant side effects. So please consult your doctor before consumption of alcohol while taking Duovir Tablet .

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Pregnancy

Caution

Duovir Tablet is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

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Breast Feeding

Caution

Duovir Tablet is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the drug or breastfeeding based on your clinical condition.

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Driving

Caution

Duovir Tablet may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.

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Liver

Caution

Duovir Tablet should be used with caution in liver patients due to the increased risk of worsening the patient's condition. So please consult your doctor before taking Duovir Tablet .

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Kidney

Caution

Duovir Tablet should be used with caution in kidney patients due to the increased risk of serious side effects. So please consult your doctor before taking Duovir Tablet .

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Children

Caution

Duovir Tablet should be used with caution in Children. Your doctor may prescribe Duovir Tablet by adjusting the dose based on the height and weight of the children.

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Heart

Caution

Duovir Tablet should be taken with extreme caution in patients with heart disease. Please consult your physician.

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Geriatrics

Caution

Duovir Tablet should be used with extreme caution in elderly patients due to an increased risk of adverse effects. Dose adjustments maybe needed in some patients.

What if I have taken an overdose of Duovir Tablet

In case of an accidental overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control centre right away, even if you do not feel any symptoms.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Eat a balanced diet: Choose a variety of nutritious foods to help support your immune system and enable your body to process the medication effectively.
  • Practice food safety: Avoid raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and seafood, and handle food safely to reduce the risk of foodborne infections while your immune system recovers.
  • Stay well hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your kidneys remove the medication from your body.
  • Stay physically active: Include regular, moderate weight-bearing activities such as brisk walking or light strength training to help maintain healthy bones and muscles.
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco: Do not drink alcohol or use tobacco products, as they can increase stress on your liver and weaken your body's natural defences.
health query

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Duovir Tablet to start to work: Duovir Tablet ideally shows its action within 30 to 90 minutes after administration The time for which the effects of Duovir Tablet last: The duration of action for Duovir Tablet is clinically unknown.

What if you forget to take Duovir Tablet

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next scheduled dose is only a few hours away, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage

•Store Duovir Tablet at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Drug Warnings

  • Do not stop treatment suddenly: Keep taking Duovir Tablet exactly as prescribed. Stopping it without your doctor's advice can make HIV harder to treat by increasing the risk of drug resistance.
  • Attend regular check-ups: Keep all your appointments for blood tests. These help your doctor monitor your kidney function, liver health, and blood cell counts during treatment.
  • Be alert for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (a temporary reaction that can occur as your immune system strengthens): Your body may begin responding to hidden infections that were already present, such as tuberculosis or herpes. This does not usually mean your HIV treatment is failing, but you should contact your doctor promptly if you develop new or worsening symptoms.
  • Check your tablets before use: Make sure the tablets are not damaged, discoloured, or damp. If they do not look normal, ask your pharmacist before taking them.
  • Tell your healthcare providers: Inform your doctor, dentist, surgeon, or any other healthcare provider that you are taking Duovir Tablet before any procedure or when starting a new medicine.

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • Other antiviral medications (e.g., didanosine, efavirenz): Combining Duovir Tablet with certain other virus-fighting drugs can increase the risk of severe side effects or reduce the effectiveness of both therapies.
  • Bone marrow suppressants (e.g., doxorubicin, azathioprine): Medicines that lower your blood cell counts can increase the risk of severe anaemia when taken alongside this tablet.
  • Certain antibiotics or antifungals (e.g., trimethoprim, fluconazole): Some of these medications can alter how your body processes this medicine, potentially increasing liver or kidney strain.
Critical

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Critical
How does the drug interact with Duovir Tablet:
Taking lamivudine with emtricitabine can increase the risk and severity of side effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between emtricitabine and lamivudine, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms contact a doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Duovir Tablet:
Taking Zidovudine with Tofacitinib may increase the risk of serious infection.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between tofacitinib and zidovudine, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor immediately if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, body sores, and pain or burning during urination. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Duovir Tablet:
Coadministration of zidovudine with leflunomide can increase the risk of developing serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between zidovudine and leflunomide, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, body sores, and pain or burning during urination. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Duovir Tablet:
Taking Duovir Tablet with teriflunomide can increase the risk of infections and also lead to an increased risk of liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between Duovir Tablet and teriflunomide, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Duovir Tablet:
Taking valganciclovir with zidovudine may increase the risk of side effects that affect the blood, leading to decreased levels of blood cells such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between valganciclovir and zidovudine, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms contact a doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
Severe
How does the drug interact with Duovir Tablet:
Taking lamivudine with zalcitabine can increase the risk and severity of side effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between lamivudine and zalcitabine, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms contact a doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
Severe
How does the drug interact with Duovir Tablet:
Taking bexarotene with Duovir Tablet increases the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between Duovir Tablet and bexarotene, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, and upper abdominal pain. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Duovir Tablet:
Taking zidovudine with infliximab can increase the risk of developing serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between infliximab and zidovudine, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, body sores, and pain or burning during urination. I. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Duovir Tablet:
Coadministration of adalimumab with zidovudine can increase the risk of infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between adalimumab and zidovudine, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, body sores, and pain or burning during urination. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Duovir Tablet:
Taking etanercept with zidovudine can increase the risk and severity of infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between etanercept and zidovudine, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, body sores, and pain or burning during urination. . Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • High-fat meals: While you can take this medicine with or without food, extremely high-fat meals may slightly alter how the medication is absorbed. Try to be consistent with how you take it.
LAMIVUDINE-150MG+ZIDOVUDINE-300MGHigh fat foods
Mild

Drug-Food Interactions

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LAMIVUDINE-150MG+ZIDOVUDINE-300MGHigh fat foods
Mild
Common Foods to Avoid:
Cheese, Frozen Meals, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Ice Cream, Potato Chips, Red Meat

How to manage the interaction:
Consuming high-fat foods along with Duovir Tablet may decrease its effectiveness. Avoid or limit the consumption of high-fat foods with Duovir Tablet as it can increase the risk of side effects.

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[ANTIRETROVIRAL AGENTS]

FAQs

Duovir Tablet should be used with proper caution and doctor consultation if you have kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatic disease, low red blood cell count (anaemia), low white blood cell count (neutropenia), osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply), or lactic acidosis.
Stopping Duovir Tablet may increase the risk of treatment failure. So Duovir Tablet should not be stopped without consulting your doctor.
Yes, Duovir Tablet is safe if taken in the dose and duration exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
Duovir Tablet should be taken orally. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush or break it.
If you forget to take a dose of Duovir Tablet , take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
The side effects of Duovir Tablet include fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, cough, a feeling of discomfort, and nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Duovir Tablet is an antiretroviral medicine used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. HIV attacks the immune system and, if left untreated, can progress to AIDS. Duovir Tablet helps control HIV by preventing the virus from multiplying, reducing the viral load, and increasing CD4 (infection-fighting) cells. Although it effectively manages HIV, it does not cure the infection.
Duovir Tablet works by preventing HIV from multiplying, which lowers the amount of virus (viral load) in your body and helps increase CD4 cell counts, strengthening your immune system. When taken exactly as prescribed as part of a complete antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen, it is effective in controlling HIV and slowing disease progression. However, it is not a cure for HIV.
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and supplements before taking Duovir Tablet . Certain medicines, including didanosine, co-trimoxazole, clarithromycin, fluconazole, rifampicin, ranitidine, phenytoin, and some pain relievers, may interact with Duovir Tablet or increase the risk of kidney or liver problems. Do not start any new medicine without consulting your healthcare provider.
It is best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking Duovir Tablet because alcohol can increase the risk of liver problems and may worsen certain side effects. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice about alcohol use during treatment.
If you vomit shortly after taking your dose (usually within an hour), talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if you need to take another dose. Do not take an extra dose without checking first. Talk to your doctor if vomiting persists.
Managing viral levels is crucial during pregnancy to protect both your health and your baby. However, Duovir Tablet should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor to discuss the safest treatment plan for you.
If you have HIV, breastfeeding is generally not recommended because the virus can be passed to your baby through breast milk. Additionally, the active ingredients in Duovir Tablet can pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about safe feeding alternatives.
No, Duovir Tablet does not cure HIV infection. It is a management tool that helps control the virus, lower your viral load, and support your immune system so you can stay healthier. You must continue taking it exactly as prescribed. Talk to your doctor for more details.
Your doctor will regularly monitor your viral load (the amount of HIV in your blood) and CD4 cell count to check how well your treatment is working. If your viral load increases, your CD4 count falls, or you develop repeated infections despite taking your medicine as prescribed, your doctor may perform resistance testing and recommend changing your HIV treatment regimen. Do not stop or change your medicines without medical advice.
While Duovir Tablet lowers your viral load, which significantly reduces the risk of passing the virus to others, it does not completely eliminate the risk. It is important to continue using safe practices, such as barrier methods (condoms), to prevent transmission. Talk to your doctor for more guidance.
Your doctor will order regular blood tests to monitor your viral load, CD4 cell counts, and check how your kidneys, liver, and blood cell counts are doing. This ensures Duovir Tablet is working safely and effectively for you. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your lab results.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Cipla House, Peninsula Business Park, Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai-400013
Other Info - DUO0015
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