Duovir Tablets are an antiretroviral drug belonging to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) category, containing the active ingredient Zidovudine. It is the first antiretroviral agent to be approved to treat HIV-1 infection. This drug can also be prescribed to prevent virus transmission from the mother to the fetus.
This tablet can cause bone marrow suppression, resulting in decreased production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, leading to anemia, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and neutropenia (low white blood cell count). Regular monitoring of blood cell counts is necessary, especially during the initial stages of treatment. This medicine has been associated with mitochondrial toxicity, which leads to serious conditions such as lactic acidosis (the buildup of lactic acid in the blood) and hepatic steatosis (fatty liver). These complications are likely to occur in individuals with underlying liver disease, obesity, or a history of pancreatitis.
During the early stages of HIV treatment, some patients may experience an inflammatory response to opportunistic infections. This condition, immune reconstitution syndrome, can occur after starting the drug or other antiretroviral therapies. It is necessary to know this possibility and monitor for any signs of worsening infections or inflammatory symptoms. Inform your healthcare provider if the symptoms concern you or persist longer than usual. If you are allergic to this drug or its ingredients, it is advised to avoid using it. Tell your physician about all the medications you have been taking recently, including herbal medicines and supplements, before taking this Duovir Tablet.
Uses of Duovir Tablet 60'sHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)Prevent transmission of the virus from mother to fetus Therapeutic Effects of Duovir Tablet 60's
Duovir Tablet works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme of HIV, restricting the replication of the viral genome, and reducing the production of new infectious viral particles. It mainly interferes with reverse transcription, and this drug helps to inhibit the spread of HIV within the body. Interaction of Duovir Tablet 60's with other drugsInform your healthcare provider about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications such as ganciclovir, interferon alfa, and ribavirin may interact with Duovir Tablet and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.More Information about Duovir Tablet 60's Store Duovir Tablet at room temperature (15°to 25°C).Keep the tablet out of reach of children and pets.How to consume Duovir Tablet 60'sIt is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the drug based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take Duovir Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not break, chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water.Safety Advices for Duovir Tablet 60's
Pregnancy
Your doctor shall prescribe Duovir Tablet only if it is essential and the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
It is unsafe to take Duovir Tablet during breastfeeding because it tends to get excreted in human milk.
Lungs
No Data
Liver
Consult your physician for advice before taking Duovir Tablet if you have liver problems. Ensure that your physician monitors your liver functions regularly.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol may affect the effectiveness of Duovir Tablet. It is highly advised to stop consuming alcohol if you take this medicine.
Driving
It is unsafe to drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery after taking Duovir Tablet, it may cause dizziness and impair your concentration.
Side Effects of Duovir Tablet 60'sSide effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.Serious
- Liver damage
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Myopathy
- Lactic acidosis
Common
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Cough
- Anaemia
- Neutropenia
Word of AdviceTo prevent the spread of HIV infection, avoid sharing needles or syringes, which can transmit HIV-1 infections easily. It's necessary for individuals who use injectable drugs to use sterile needles and syringes and never share them with others. Personal items should also be avoided, like toothbrushes, razor blades, or anything that can have blood or body fluids on them. They should not be shared because HIV-1 can be present in blood and certain body fluids, and sharing these items could mainly transmit the virus. Since this drug is unsafe for breastfeeding because HIV infection can be passed to the baby in the breast milk, alternative feeding methods can be followed to nourish the infant's growth. If you forget to take Duovir Tablet for the entire day, take your usual dose the next day. However, do not double-dose yourself.
FAQs Q 1. How will I receive the Duovir Tablet?Always take Duovir Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not break, chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water.
Q 2. How does a Duovir Tablet work to treat HIV?By inhibiting reverse transcriptase enzymes and interfering with viral DNA synthesis, Duovir Tablet helps to reduce the viral load in the body. It slows down the progression of HIV infection, delays the onset of AIDS-related symptoms, and helps to preserve the immune system's function.
Q 3. Can Duovir Tablet be used in combination with other drugs?Duovir Tablet is often used with other antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treating HIV-1 infection.
Q 4. Whether Duovir Tablets are safe for breastfeeding?Duovir Tablets are unsafe for breastfeeding because HIV infection can be passed to the baby in the breast milk, so it should be avoided.
Q 5. Who should not take a Duovir Tablet?Duovir Tablets should not be taken by individuals who are allergic to it or its ingredients.
Fact Box of Duovir Tablet 60'sMolecule name: Zidovudine | Therapeutic class: Antiretroviral |
Pharmacological class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI) | Indications: 1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 2. Prevent transmission of the virus from mother to fetus |
