Combivir

Pronunciation: la-MIV-ue-deen/zye-DOE-vue-deen
Generic Name: Lamivudine/Zidovudine
Brand Name: Combivir

One of the 2 active ingredients in Combivir, zidovudine, has been associated with certain blood disorders (eg, low white blood cell levels, severe anemia), especially in patients with advanced HIV disease, and muscle pain and inflammation, when it is used for long periods of time. High levels of lactic acid in the blood and severe liver problems, which may be life-threatening, have been reported with the use of Combivir.

Some patients with both HIV and hepatitis B infection who were taking lamivudine have developed severe worsening of their hepatitis B after they stopped taking lamivudine. Patients who have both HIV and hepatitis B infection and who stop using Combivir should have their liver function closely checked for at least several months after their last dose.

Combivir is used for:

Treating HIV infection in combination with other medicines.

Combivir is an antiviral combination. Lamivudine and zidovudine are both nucleoside analogues that work together to slow the growth of HIV by blocking an enzyme needed by the virus to reproduce.

Do NOT use Combivir if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Combivir


• you are also taking stavudine, zalcitabine, or other medicines containing lamivudine or zidovudine


• you have severe kidney problems, decreased liver function, abnormal liver function tests, or high levels of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Combivir:

Some medical conditions may interact with Combivir. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you weigh less than 66 lbs (30 kg)


• if you have a history of liver problems (eg, abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis B infection) or lactic acidosis


• if you have a history of kidney problems, a bone marrow disorder, pancreas problems, abnormal blood cell counts, or nerve or muscle problems


• if you are significantly overweight

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Combivir. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Interferon alfa or ribavirin because serious liver problems may occur


• Stavudine because its effectiveness may be decreased by Combivir


• Clarithromycin, doxorubicin, rifampin, or zalcitabine because they may decrease Combivir's effectiveness


• Acetaminophen, ganciclovir, ibuprofen, methadone, probenecid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, valproic acid, vancomycin, or zalcitabine because they may increase the risk of Combivir's side effects or toxic effects

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Combivir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Combivir:

Use Combivir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Combivir by mouth with or without food.


• Continue to use Combivir even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.


• Taking Combivir at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.


• If you miss a dose of Combivir, take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Combivir.

Important safety information:

• Combivir may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Combivir with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• The risk of side effects may be greater and additional benefits may not be obtained if you take Combivir in high doses. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.


• Combivir is not a cure for HIV infection. Patients may still get illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor.


• Combivir does not stop the spread of HIV to others through blood or sexual contact. Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have HIV infection. Do not share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors.


• When your medicine supply is low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can. Do not stop taking Combivir, even for a short period of time. If you do, the virus may grow resistant to the medicine and become harder to treat.


• Do not stop taking Combivir without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions, including hepatitis B, may become worse if Combivir is suddenly stopped.


• Changes in body fat (eg, an increased amount of fat in the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk, and loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face) may occur in some patients taking Combivir. The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.


• Lab tests, including blood cell counts and liver and kidney function tests, may be performed while you use Combivir. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Combivir should not be used in CHILDREN weighing less than 66 lbs (30 kg); safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. Caution is advised when using Combivir in CHILDREN with a history of pancreatitis, or children who have taken other medicines for HIV infection.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Combivir while you are pregnant. Combivir is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Combivir. Mothers infected with HIV should not breast-feed. There is a risk of passing the HIV infection or Combivir to the baby.

Possible side effects of Combivir:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Appetite loss; changes in body fat; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; fatigue; headache; indigestion; nasal problems; sleeplessness or other sleep problems; tiredness; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; depression; fast or irregular heartbeat; infection (fever, chills, sore throat); inflammation of the pancreas (severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting); joint pain; mental or mood changes; muscle pain; nausea; numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs; seizures; shortness of breath; stomach tenderness or pain; swelling or soreness of the mouth or tongue; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness; unusual weakness or exhaustion; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Combivir side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; seizures; tiredness; vomiting.

Proper storage of Combivir:

Store Combivir at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 and 30 degrees C). Store in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Combivir out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Combivir, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Combivir is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Combivir. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Combivir resources

• Combivir Side Effects (in more detail)
• Combivir Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Combivir Drug Interactions
• Combivir Support Group
• 1 Review for Combivir - Add your own review/rating

• Combivir Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Combivir Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Combivir Consumer Overview

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