Before taking Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis from other HIV medicines, kidney problems, liver problems (e.g., hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), alcohol use, decreased muscle size (wasting), low red/white blood cells.
Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the increased risk of pancreatitis.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, caution is advised when using Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. However, HIV medications are now usually given to pregnant women with HIV. This has been shown to decrease the risk of HIV transmission to the baby. Lamivudine/zidovudine may be part of that treatment. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Lamivudine and zidovudine pass into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store between 36-86 degrees F (2-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) by mouth with or without food, usually 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Because this combination product has fixed doses of lamivudine and zidovudine, it should only be used if your doctor has determined that the doses of both medications in this product are right for you.
It is very important to continue taking Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) (and other anti-HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
Do not take more or less of Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also Warning section.
Headache, tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, dizziness, stuffy nose, cough, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (depression, anxiety, slowed thinking), tingling/numbness of hands or feet, changes in taste, vision changes, shakiness, skin/fingernail color changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: stomach/back pain with or without nausea/vomiting, fainting, hearing loss.
Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect.
If you are taking HIV medications for the first time, you may experience a return of symptoms from an old infection. This may happen as your immune system begins to work better and is called the immune reconstitution syndrome. Symptoms might include: new cough, trouble breathing, fever, new vision problems, new headaches, new skin problems.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Combivir side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine), take it as soon as you remember, unless it is within 2 hours of your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine) should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: stavudine, ribavirin.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine).
Emtricitabine is similar to lamivudine and should not be taken with Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine).
Before using Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: zalcitabine, phenytoin, interferon, fluconazole, drugs that may suppress bone marrow function (e.g., ganciclovir, trimethoprim, pyrimethamine, doxorubicin, dapsone, flucytosine, pentamidine), cidofovir with probenecid, amphotericin B.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.