Duovir N Tablet

2. Product Description

Duovir Tablet is a fixed-dose combination of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs): Zidovudine (AZT) and Lamivudine (3TC). It is used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

Both drugs work synergistically to inhibit the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme necessary for HIV replication, helping to reduce viral load and improve immune function.

• Generic Name: Zidovudine + Lamivudine

• Strength: Zidovudine 300 mg + Lamivudine 150 mg

• Form: Oral tablet

• Therapeutic Category: Antiretroviral NRTI Combination

• WHO Prequalification: Yes (Duovir is WHO-recommended)

• Storage:

• Store below 30C

• Keep container tightly closed

• Protect from light and moisture

4. Therapeutic Uses

• Treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents

• Used in first-line ART regimens as per WHO and national guidelines

• Also used in post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) when combined with other ARVs

Note:Always used in combination with other antiretrovirals for effective HIV management.

5. Safety Profile & Side Effects

• Headache, fatigue

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

• Insomnia

• Anemia (Zidovudine-related)

• Lactic acidosis and hepatomegaly with steatosis

• Myopathy

• Severe neutropenia or anemia

• Hepatic toxicity

6. Precautions:

• Baseline and periodic CBC monitoring advised due to anemia risk

• Dose adjustment required in renal impairment

• Use with caution in patients with liver disease

• Safe in pregnancy (Category C), widely used in PMTCT programs

• Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic drugs during therapy