Drug interactions
Lamivudine + Zidovudine
Severity: Minor
Lamivudine and Zidovudine: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome occurs as a class effect of starting effective antiretroviral therapy and not because of an interaction between these two drugs. They are commonly used together as a fixed-dose combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lamivudine and Zidovudine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Lamivudine belongs to Anti Virals; Zidovudine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
No direct interaction; immune reconstitution results from recovery of immunity with effective antiretroviral therapy.
What to do
No change to therapy is needed. Monitor for new inflammatory symptoms of opportunistic infection after starting treatment.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Lamivudine
Other interactions of Zidovudine
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Stavudine + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Atidarsagene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Betibeglogene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Carboplatin + Zidovudine Major
- Cisplatin + Zidovudine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lamivudine with Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Lamivudine and Zidovudine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome occurs as a class effect of starting effective antiretroviral therapy and not because of an interaction between these two drugs. They are commonly used together as a fixed-dose combination.
How serious is the interaction between Lamivudine and Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No change to therapy is needed. Monitor for new inflammatory symptoms of opportunistic infection after starting treatment.
What other medicines interact with Lamivudine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lamivudine with, for example, Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df, Atidarsagene autotemcel, Betibeglogene autotemcel. The full list is on the Lamivudine page.
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