Duovir N Tablet

USES OF DUOVIR N TABLET

• HIV infection

BENEFITS OF DUOVIR N TABLET

In HIV infection

Duovir N 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 N 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 N

• Headache
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Rash
• Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils)
• Fever
• Gastrointestinal disturbance
• Hair loss
• Joint pain
• Muscle disorders
• Fatigue
• General discomfort
• Cough

HOW TO USE DUOVIR N 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 N Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

HOW DUOVIR N TABLET WORKS

Duovir N Tablet is a combination of three antiviral medicines: Lamivudine, Zidovudine and Nevirapine. They work by preventing 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

warnings
   Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Duovir N Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

warnings
   Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Duovir N 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.

warnings
   Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Duovir N Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

warnings
   Driving
UNSAFE
Duovir N Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
You may experience fatigue while taking Duovir N Tablet and this may affect your ability to drive.

warnings
   Kidney
CAUTION
Duovir N Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Duovir N Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

warnings
   Liver
CAUTION
Duovir N Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Duovir N Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Duovir N Tablet is not recommended in patients with moderate to severe liver disease. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is advised while you are taking this medicine.

WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE DUOVIR N TABLET?

If you miss a dose of Duovir N 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.

• Duovir N Tablet is a combination of three medicines which slows down or stops the progression of HIV infections.
• Take it on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime, to reduce side effects.
• Skipping doses increases the risk of treatment failure. Make sure that you take all your doses at the correct time.
• Duovir N Tablet may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Don’t drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
• Duovir N Tablet can cause birth defects. Use effective contraception while taking Duovir N Tablet and 12 weeks after stopping it.
• It may cause weakening of your bones. Exercise regularly and take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor.
• Your doctor may monitor your kidney and liver functions regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
• Do not stop taking Duovir N Tablet without your doctor’s advice.