What is Combivir used for?
LAMIVUDINE; ZIDOVUDINE is two antiretroviral drugs in one tablet. It is used with the other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to the others.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Combivir?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- blood or bone marrow problems
- kidney diseases
- liver diseases
- an unusual or allergic reaction to lamivudine, zidovudine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Combivir should be taken?
Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. You may take this medicine with or without food. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as good as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and the other ones. You shouldn’t stop the treatment course unless your physician specifically advised you to do so.
Consult your pediatrician regarding the possibility of use of this medicine by children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Combivir?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Combivir with the other medicine/food/etc?
- atovaquone
- doxorubicin
- fluconazole
- ganciclovir
- interferon
- methadone
- nelfinavir
- probenecid
- ribavirin
- ritonavir
- stavudine
- sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim, SMX-TMP
- trimethoprim
- valproic acid
- zalcitabine, ddC
This list is not all-inclusive and may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking Combivir?
Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo the necessary check-ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have the blood tests to be done while on this medicine.
HIV is spreading to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.
If you have hepatitis B, talk to your doctor if you plan to stop or change your therapy. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse after you stop this medicine.
Do not treat severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting with over-the-counter medicines. Contact your doctor.
This medicine can cause blood problems. You may have slow healing and a higher risk of infection while on this medicine. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Be careful not to damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
Does Combivir have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- breathing difficulties
- depression
- fever, chills, or sore throat
- muscle aches, pains, weakness
- pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
- seizures
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- unusual weakness or feeling tired
- weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- cough
- diarrhea
- difficulty sleeping
- dizziness
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea, vomiting
- runny, stuffy nose
- stomach pain, upset
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I store Combivir?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
Store it between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.