Lamivudine and tenofovir are antiviral medicines that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Lamivudine and tenofovir is a combination medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lamivudine and tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

This medicine is used in adults and children who weigh at least 77 pounds.

Lamivudine and tenofovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to lamivudine or tenofovir.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease, including cirrhosis or hepatitis B or C (especially if you also use ribavirin or interferon alfa);
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• a pancreas disorder; or
• bone problems, including osteoporosis or a broken bone.

You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, if you've taken HIV medication for a long time, or if you are a woman. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby.

Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

Use Temixys (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• new or worsening bone pain;
• muscle weakness;
• pain in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;
• swelling around your midsection;
• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
• signs of liver or pancreas problems--loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Lamivudine and tenofovir affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have:

• signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
• trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or
• swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.

Common side effects may include:

• headache;
• pain;
• diarrhea;
• rash;
• depression; or
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid taking other medications that contain an ingredient called sorbitol, often used as a sweetener in liquid medicines. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure a medicine contains this ingredient.

Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.