Lamivudine/Tenofovir Description

Although there is no cure for the human immunodeficiency virus, more commonly known as HIV, early detection and treatment can allow you to continue with your daily activities and enjoy a long life. Brand or generic Lamivudine/Tenofovir exhibit similar actions for treating HIV, as Lamivudine is called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and Tenofovir is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NtRTI). The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Lamivudine/Tenofovir Helps to Reduce Your Symptoms

HIV therapy usually consists of 2-4 drugs in combination to reduce pill burden, or as individual drugs that reduce your symptoms and help lower the risk of drug resistance so if the virus mutates, there are other medications on board to do battle and bring down the viral load.

Together, Lamivudine and Tenofovir block the action of a particular enzyme called reverse transcriptase that is essential to the virus for replicating. By tricking this enzyme into thinking it is part of the viral building blocks, Lamivudine/Tenofovir can interfere with the virus’ ability to reproduce. This does not cure HIV, but Lamivudine/Tenofovir can reduce the amount of HIV in your body and help strengthen your immune system as your white blood cells have a chance to multiply.

Conditions Treated by Lamivudine/Tenofovir

Treatment for HIV and AIDS has come a long way over the last 30 years or so, but there is still no cure. This virus is basically fat, protein, and sugar with a set of instructions for making new viruses. It has no body, just a brain that looks for living cells to invade so it can reproduce and take over. By combining HIV drugs, such as generic Lamivudine and Tenofovir, the viral replication is reduced in numbers with the interference of the reproduction process.

It is extremely important for you to take Lamivudine/Tenofovir as directed to maintain a constant level of the drug in your system so HIV cannot take control. Lamivudine/Tenofovir also shows promise for treating those with the Hepatitis B virus, a liver disease.

Before You Take Lamivudine/Tenofovir

Ask your doctor about the safety of taking Lamivudine/Tenofovir while you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are nursing your baby. Make sure you discuss all current medical conditions you have with your doctor before beginning treatment with Lamivudine/Tenofovir, especially if you have: kidney disease; a history of pancreatitis, liver disease, low bone mineral density. Some people taking this medication may develop a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Be sure to discuss this risk with your physician.

Lamivudine/Tenofovir Precautions

Go over all medications you are taking for HIV and other medical conditions you have so your doctor can make certain all of your medications are compatible. Even though your viral load may be reduced while taking Lamivudine/Tenofovir, you are still infectious and must guard against transmitting HIV to others by sharing needles, having unprotected sex, or exposing others to your blood.

Possible Side Effects of Lamivudine/Tenofovir

• Stomach upset, discomfort, or pain
• Heartburn
• Weight loss
• Back pain

Drugs Similar to Lamivudine/Tenofovir

• Truvada
• Trizivir
• Combivir