Drug Name

Combivir

Drug Uses

Combivir is used for treating HIV infection in combination with other medicines.

How to use

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.

Drug Class and Mechanism

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.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions

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.

Possible Side Effects

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.

More 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.