Combivir

Uses of Combivir

Combivir contains a combination of lamivudine and zidovudine. Lamivudine and zidovudine are antiviral medications that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Combivir is used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Combivir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not take Combivir if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine that contains lamivudine or zidovudine.

Zidovudine can weaken your immune system and cause signs of infection (fever, mouth sores, skin sores, flu symptoms, pale skin). Your blood will need to be tested often. Long-term use of zidovudine can cause muscle weakness, or loss of muscle tissue similar to “wasting syndrome” caused by HIV.

Combivir may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.

If you’ve ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using this medicine. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months after you stop using Combivir.

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 breast-feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

Dosage

Take Combivir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. You may take this medicine with or without food.

Usual Adult Dose of Combivir for HIV Infection: 1 tablet orally twice a day. Use: In combination with other antiretrovirals, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection

Usual Pediatric Dose for HIV Infection: At least 30 kg: 1 tablet orally twice a day

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• headache;
• nausea, diarrhea;
• tiredness, general ill feeling;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, cough; or
• loss of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, and buttocks).