Combivir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine)

What is Combivir?

Combivir is a combination of two antiviral drugs, lamivudine and zidovudine. Both lamivudine and zidovudine belong to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

What is Combivir used for?

Combivir is used with other medicines to help control HIV infection (which causes AIDS or Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). However, this medicine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. It helps decrease the amount of HIV in the body so that the immune system can work better.

How does Combivir work?

Combivir works by keeping HIV (virus) from reproducing in the body.

How to use Combivir

Combivir should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken twice daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. Get your blood and liver function tested on a regular basis.

The medicine should not be administered to children weighing less than 30 kilograms or 66 pounds.

Combivir warnings and precautions

Before using Combivir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to lamivudine or zidovudine. Do not take Combivir with any other medicine that contains either of the two drugs. A list of such medications includes Retrovir, Epzicom (abacavir, lamivudine), Epivir, and Trizivir (lamivudine, abacavir, zidovudine).

Prior to taking the medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, bone marrow suppression, or if you have problems with your muscles.

Pregnant women should not use Combivir without consulting their doctors. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. HIV can be passed to the fetus, if the mother is not treated properly during pregnancy.

Avoid having unprotected sex, or sharing razors or needles.

What do I do if I have missed a Combivir dose?

If you have missed your Combivir dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Combivir overdose?

If you have taken a Combivir overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Combivir interactions

Before taking Combivir, consult your doctor if you take stavudine (Zerit), ganciclovir (Cytovene), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), zalcitabine (Hivid), interferon-alfa (Intron, Roferon, Rebetron), ribavirin (Ribasphere, Rebetol, Copegus Virazole), sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Proloprim, Septra, Bactrim, Trimpex, SMX-TMP), or if you are undergoing cancer treatments.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use including mineral and vitamin supplements. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Combivir side effects

Combivir side effects include hives, muscle pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, uneven heart rate, breathing trouble; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions.

Fever, chills, pale skin, bruising, bleeding, unusual weakness, body ache, swallowing trouble, stomach ache, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, pancreatitis, white patches or sores in mouth or on lips, and trouble standing up or climbing stairs are also side effects from Combivir. If you get any of these side effects or even mild symptoms of lactic acidosis after using Combivir, contact your doctor right away.

Headache, cough, stuffy or runny nose, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, diarrhea, numbness or tingling, and changes in shape or location of body fat are some less serious side effects of Combivir.