BOXED WARNING WARNING: HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, MYOPATHY, LACTIC ACIDOSIS AND SEVERE HEPATOMEGALY WITH STEATOSIS, and EXACERBATIONS OF HEPATITIS B Zidovudine, a component of lamivudine and zidovudine tablets, has been associated with hematologic toxicity including neutropenia and severe anemia, particularly in patients with advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Prolonged use of zidovudine has been associated with symptomatic myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues, including lamivudine and zidovudine (components of lamivudine and zidovudine tablet). Discontinue lamivudine and zidovudine tablets if clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV-1 and have discontinued lamivudine, which is one component of lamivudine and zidovudine tablets. Hepatic function should be monitored closely with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who discontinue lamivudine and zidovudine tablet and are co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV. If appropriate, initiation of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. WARNING: HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, MYOPATHY, LACTIC ACIDOSIS AND SEVERE HEPATOMEGALY WITH STEATOSIS, and EXACERBATIONS OF HEPATITIS B See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Hematologic toxicity, including neutropenia and anemia, has been associated with the use of zidovudine, a component of lamivudine and zidovudine tablets. (5.1) • Symptomatic myopathy associated with prolonged use of zidovudine. (5.2) • Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues including lamivudine and zidovudine (components of lamivudine and zidovudine tablets). Suspend treatment if clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity occur. (5.3) • Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and have discontinued lamivudine, a component of lamivudine and zidovudine tablet. Monitor hepatic function closely in these patients and, if appropriate, initiate anti-hepatitis B treatment. (5.4)
Adult Dosing
General dosing
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION • Adults and Adolescents weighing greater than or equal to 30 kg: 1 tablet orally twice daily. • Pediatrics weighing greater than or equal to 30 kg: 1 tablet orally twice daily. • Because lamivudine and zidovudine tablet is a fixed-dose tablet and cannot be dose adjusted, lamivudine and zidovudine tablet is not recommended in patients requiring dosage adjustment or with hepatic impairment or experiencing dose-limiting adverse reactions. (2.3, 4) 2.1
General dosing
Recommended Dosage for Adults and Adolescents The recommended dosage of lamivudine and zidovudine tablet in HIV-1-infected adults and adolescents weighing greater than or equal to 30 kg is 1 tablet (containing 150 mg of lamivudine and 300 mg of zidovudine) taken orally twice daily. 2.2
Pediatric Dosing
General dosing
Recommended Dosage for Pediatric Patients The recommended dosage of scored lamivudine and zidovudine tablets for pediatric patients who weigh greater than or equal to 30 kg and for whom a solid oral dosage form is appropriate is 1 tablet administered orally twice daily. Before prescribing lamivudine and zidovudine tablets, children should be assessed for the ability to swallow tablets. If a child is unable to reliably swallow a lamivudine and zidovudine tablet, the liquid oral formulations should be prescribed: EPIVIR (lamivudine) oral solution and RETROVIR (zidovudine) syrup. 2.3 Not Recommended Due to Lack of Dosage Adjustment Because lamivudine and zidovudine is a fixed-dose tablet and cannot be dose adjusted, lamivudine and zidovudine tablets are not recommended for: • pediatric patients weighing less than 30 kg . • patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL per minute . • patients with hepatic impairment . • patients experiencing dose-limiting adverse reactions. Liquid and solid oral formulations of the individual components of lamivudine and zidovudine tablets are available for these populations .
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