General information

Combivir belongs to a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). This product contains 2 drugs: lamivudine and zidovudine. It is used to treat HIV infection or AIDS. This medication does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others. It is used in combination with other anti-HIV medications to slow further growth or reproduction of HIV. It also seems to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This medication may also be used to prevent HIV infection after contact with the virus.

Directions

Take Combivir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose for adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older is one tablet (150 mg of lamivudine and 300 mg of zidovudine) twice daily. Take Combivir at the same times each day. You can take it with or without food with a full glass of water. This product is not to be used in children weighing less than 30 kilograms (66 pounds).

Precautions

Before taking Combivir you should talk with your doctor if you have anemia, neutropenia, any other low blood count or blood disorder, liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, kidney disease, kidney failure, pancreatitis, bone marrow suppression, problems with your muscles. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver problems and pancreatitis. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people.

Contraindications

You should not take Combivir if you are allergic to lamivudine, zidovudine, or to any of the ingredients of the medication, or if you have a very low white blood cell count (neutropenia) or very low red blood cell count (anemia). Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, dizziness, stuffy nose, cough, stomach, abdominal, back pain, bleeding, nail color changes, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), numbness, sleep problems (insomnia), runny or stuffy nose, slow or uneven heart rate, loss of appetite, dark urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: doxorubicin, stavudine, cancer treatments, zalcitabine, ganciclovir, interferon-alfa, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, ribavirin, fluconazole, methadone, probenecid, ritonavir, zalcitabine, rifapentine. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, seizure.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 36-86 degrees F (2-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.