Combivir

This page contains drug information on Combivir.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Combivir
the possible side effects of Combivir
what happens if you miss a dose of Combivir
what happens if you overdose with Combivir
the most important information about Combivir
how to use Combivir
other drugs that may affect Combivir
what to avoid while using Combivir
 
Generic Name: lamivudine and zidovudine (lah MIH vue deen and zye DOE vue deen)
Brand Names: Combivir

What is the most important information I should know about combivir?
 •  Serious blood problems including low levels of red and/ or white blood cells have occurred with the use of zidovudine. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop unusual fatigue, pale skin, sore throat, fever, or chills which may be signs of blood problems.
 •  Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of combivir, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort weakness and tiredness shortness of breath weakness in the arms and legs yellowing of the skin or eyes or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.
 •  Serious, even fatal, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of some reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and/ or fever.
 •  Avoid alcohol while taking combivir. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/ or liver.
 •  Follow your doctors instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. combivir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with this medication.

What is combivir?
 •  combivir are antiviral medications. They are in a category of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. combivir inhibit the reproduction of HIV in the body.
 •  combivir are used together to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). combivir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
 •  combivir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking combivir?
 •  Before taking combivir, tell your doctor if you
      · have kidney disease
      · have liver disease
      · have hepatitis
      · have bone marrow suppression or
      · weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kg).
 •  You may not be able to take combivir, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  combivir is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether combivir will be harmful to an unborn baby. It is very important to treat HIV/ AIDS during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infecting the baby. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
 •  It is not known whether combivir passes into breast milk and what effect it may have on a nursing baby. To prevent transmission of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that HIV-positive mothers not breast-feed.

How should I take combivir?
 •  Take combivir exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 •  combivir can be taken with or without food.
 •  combivir is usually taken twice a day. Follow your doctors instructions.
 •  It is important to take combivir regularly to get the most benefit.
 •  Treatment of HIV/ AIDS almost always requires the use of two or more drugs. If you need to stop taking one of the medicines you are taking for HIV, you should stop all of them until you can talk to your doctor.
 •  Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with combivir to monitor progress and side effects.
 •  Store combivir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
 •  Symptoms of a combivir overdose may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, confusion, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking combivir?
 •  Follow your doctors instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. combivir does not cure HIV or AIDS and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with this medication.
 •  Avoid alcohol while taking combivir. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/ or liver.

What are the possible side effects of combivir?
 •  Serious blood problems including low levels of red and/ or white blood cells have occurred with the use of zidovudine. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop unusual fatigue, pale skin, sore throat, fever, or chills which may be signs of blood problems.
 •  Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of reverse transcriptase inhibitors, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort weakness and tiredness shortness of breath weakness in the arms and legs yellowing of the skin or eyes or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.
 •  Serious, even fatal, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of some reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and/ or fever.
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking combivir and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · muscle pain or weakness or
      · peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), which may cause numbness, tingling, or pain.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking combivir and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite
      · a headache
      · dizziness
      · insomnia or
      · redistribution of body fat (loss of fat from the arms, legs, and face and increased fat around the neck, breast, and trunk).
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect combivir?
 •  Other medications may interact with combivir resulting in decreased effectiveness and/ or side effects. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with combivir.