Cimduo

• 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.