Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) is a combination HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medication. It contains two ARVs from the same class of medications and is not a full HIV regimen. When used in combination with dolutegravir (Tivicay), it's a first-choice treatment option.
HIV treatment, in combination with other HIV ARVs
Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) is a combination tablet containing two ARVs from the same class of HIV medications. Lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They insert themselves into the virus' DNA (genetic material) to stop the DNA-making process.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
First-choice treatment option when used with another HIV ARV from a different class
Can be taken with or without food
One tablet contains two HIV ARVs; convenient
Can be used in children who weigh at least 77 pounds
Not a good option for people who have kidney problems
Not a full HIV regimen since both ARVs work the same way
Interacts with other medications, including other HIV ARVs and hepatitis C treatment options
Can cause bone problems
Take Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) at the same time every day. This will keep the medication levels consistent in your body. You can take it with or without food.
For a complete HIV regimen, you'll have to take Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) with at least one other HIV ARV. You don't have to take them at the exact same time of day, but doing so can make it easier for you to remember to take your medications.
Continue to take Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) and your other HIV ARVs unless your provider tells you to stop. Contact your care team if you experience side effects that make it difficult for you to take your medications. There might be alternative treatment regimens.
Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements can help prevent bone problems while taking Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir).
Make sure your care team has a full list of the medications that you're taking so they can monitor for interactions. Also, don't start any new medications without talking to them as well. Many medications interact with Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir), such as hepatitis C medications, other HIV ARVs, antiviral medications, and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)).
Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) | Stopping Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir)
Don't stop taking Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) without talking to your provider, especially if you have a history of hepatitis B. Doing so can make your hepatitis B get worse. If you have hepatitis B and your provider has instructed you to stop the medication or switch to a different antiviral medication, make sure you follow up with your provider and get your labs drawn regularly. This is how your provider will monitor your liver and hepatitis B infection. Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of hepatitis B infection, such as fever, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, clay-colored stool, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Although rare, some people taking HIV medications similar to Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) have experienced life-threatening blood acid problems and liver damage. Symptoms can include appetite loss, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, muscle pain, fast and shallow breathing, extreme tiredness, and sudden weakness. Stop taking Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) and go to the emergency room right away if this happens.
Risk factors: History of kidney damage | Current or recent use of other medications that are known to harm kidneys
Some people taking Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) have developed kidney problems. It can happen right after starting the medication or over time. Try to avoid other medications that can also harm the kidney, like high doses of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve). Make sure you get your blood tests drawn regularly so your provider can monitor your kidneys. Let your provider know if you have symptoms of kidney problems, such as swelling in your legs and feet, difficulty urinating, or confusion. Contact your provider right away if you experience bone or muscle pain, pain in the arms or legs, or fractures, as these can be signs of a specific kidney problem.
Risk factors: Children who have a history of pancreatitis | Children who have taken NRTIs in the past
Some people might experience pancreatitis while taking Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir). Children who have taken NRTIs before, have a history of pancreatitis, or are at a high risk for pancreatitis should use Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) with caution. Stop taking this medication and seek medical help right away if you or your child experiences stomach pain that spreads to the back, nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, or fever, as these could be signs of pancreatitis.
Risk factors: History of bone fractures | Osteoporosis
Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) can lower your bone mineral density (BMD) and weaken your bones. This can potentially lead to osteoporosis and raise your risk of fractures (broken bones). Many people take calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent this. Your provider might order additional tests to check your bone density if you have a fracture or other risk factors for bone problems.
Risk factors: Weakened immune system | Current untreated infection
Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir) can cause harmful inflammation in your body as it starts to work. As the medication helps your body fight against HIV, your immune system starts to recover and becomes more active in fighting other infections that you may have. Recovery of your immune system is good, but the inflammation that can result from this can be dangerous. This is called immune reconstitution syndrome. Your healthcare provider might check for opportunistic infections (underlying infections that can happen with a weakened immune system) before you start Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir), especially if it's your first time taking an HIV ARV. You might need medications to help treat any infections that your provider detects. Call your provider if you experience fever, difficulty breathing, or sudden changes in your health after starting Cimduo (lamivudine / tenofovir).
Some people taking HIV ARVs have noticed changes in the way fat is stored in their body. This might show as more fat in the belly and upper back, and less fat in the face, arms, and legs. Scientists and healthcare providers don't really know why this happens.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
300mg/300mg | 30 tablets | $1173.44 | $39.11 |
The recommended dose is 1 tablet by mouth once a day, with or without food. Each tablet contains 300 mg of lamivudine and 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).
HIV treatment, in combination with other HIV ARVs
Treatment of HIV infection
Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP) through sexual intercourse, except for receptive vaginal sex
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