Combivir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine)

Medication Information: Combivir (Lamivudine / Zidovudine):

Uses of Combivir:

There are two medications in this product: Lamivudine and Zidovudine. Combivir, a mixture of two nucleoside analogs, is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in combination with other antiretrovirals.

It is used in conjunction with other HIV medications to aid in the control of HIV infection. It aids in the reduction of HIV in your body, allowing your immune system to function more effectively. This reduces your risk of HIV consequences (such as new infections and cancer) while also improving your quality of life.

Both lamivudine and zidovudine belong to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor class of medicines (NRTIs). The combination of lamivudine and zidovudine is not a cure for HIV infection. Continue to take all HIV medications exactly as directed by your doctor to reduce your risk of sharing HIV with others.

As advised by your doctor, use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms) during intercourse. Do not exchange personal objects that have come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors). For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to use Combivir?

Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, twice a day, or as directed by your doctor. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, take this medicine with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters).

Because the doses of lamivudine and zidovudine in this combination of Combivir products are fixed, it should only be taken if your doctor has concluded that the amounts of both medications in this product are appropriate for you.

Children weighing less than 30 kilograms (66 pounds) should not use this product Without your doctor's permission, skipping or modifying your dose could increase the quantity of virus in your body, make the illness more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.

Combivir Side Effects:

Headache, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, weariness, or difficulty sleeping are all possible side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

As your immune system strengthens, it may be able to fight off previous infections, leading disease symptoms to resurface. If your immune system becomes overactive, you may have symptoms. This reaction could occur at any time (soon after starting HIV treatment or many months later).

Serious symptoms include unexplained weight loss, severe tiredness, muscle aches/weakness that don’t go away, headaches that don't go away, joint pain, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet/arms/legs, vision changes, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, trouble breathing, cough, non-healing skin sores), signs of an overactive thyroid.

The dangerous side effects: mental/mood changes (such as depression), signs of pancreatitis (such as nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal/back pain, fever), easy bruising/bleeding, or changes in skin/nail color, contact your doctor straight once.

This medicine has caused severe (possibly fatal) liver issues and lactic acid build-up in the blood on rare occasions (lactic acidosis). Women and obese persons are more likely to experience these significant side effects.

While using this medication, you may have a loss of body fat (particularly in the face, arms, legs, and buttocks). This impact could last a long time.

Combivir Precautions:

If you are allergic to either of these medications or have any additional allergies, tell your doctor or pharmacist before using Combivir. Inactive chemicals may be included in this product, causing allergic reactions or other issues. For further information, speak with your pharmacist.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medical conditions you have, including kidney difficulties, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), pancreatic disease (pancreatitis), and alcohol usage.

This medication may raise your chances of having a heart attack. Talk to your doctor about the risks and advantages of treatment, as well as strategies to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you consume before surgery (including prescription medications, nonprescription medications, and herbal products).

Limit alcohol consumption as well, as it can raise the risk of liver disease and pancreatitis.

Children may be more susceptible to the medication's adverse effects, particularly pancreatitis.

Storage:

• Store at below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F).
• Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Keep out of children's reach.

Combivir Drug Interactions:

Orlistat, probenecid, ribavirin, sorbitol, stavudine, medications that lower bone marrow function or blood cell counts (such as ganciclovir, trimethoprim, cancer chemotherapy including doxorubicin.), and pharmaceuticals that impact the kidneys are some of the items that may interact with this medication (including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen).

Other medications may interfere with the clearance of zidovudine from your body, affecting the effectiveness of Combivir. Rifampin and valproic acid, for example, are two examples.

Take this medication at least 2 hours apart from your clarithromycin dose if you are also taking clarithromycin.