Antiretroviral (NRTI — Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor combination)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Lamivudine/Zidovudine is a combination of two antiretroviral (anti-HIV) medicines in one tablet that work together to reduce the amount of HIV virus in your blood by blocking the virus from making copies of itself.
Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase by competing with natural nucleotides and causing chain termination during viral DNA synthesis, preventing replication of the virus and reducing viral load.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Adults take 1 tablet twice a day (morning and evening), about 12 hours apart. You can take it with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce stomach upset. Do not skip doses — take it at the same time every day to keep the drug working properly.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.
Always collect your ARV drugs from a hospital, government health centre, or trusted pharmacy — never buy HIV medicines from roadside sellers or unverified sources, as fake drugs are dangerous. Never stop taking this medicine because you feel better — HIV drugs must be taken every day for life to stay effective. Do not share your medication with anyone, even if they also have HIV, as their doctor may prescribe a different combination.
Avoid taking with stavudine (d4T), as it reduces how well this medicine works. Be cautious with co-trimoxazole (Septrin), which is commonly used in Nigeria — your doctor may need to monitor your blood. Avoid alcohol, as it can worsen liver side effects and make you feel more tired.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Lamivudine; with your other drugs?
This drug may be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding as part of HIV treatment to protect you and your baby, but only under a doctor's supervision — do not start or stop it on your own.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in a car or near a window. Keep the tablets in their original container and always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Lamivudine; Zidovudine?
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