Warning: the info is intended to supplement, not substitute for, judgment about your physician. it must not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Lamivudine/zidovudine - oral

(lam-eye-view-deen/zye-doe-view-deen)

common brand names: Combivir

Warning: rarely, this medication has caused severe (sometimes fatal) liver and blood disorders (e.g., lactic acidosis, neutropenia, anemia), especially in people with advanced HIV infection. Notify you're doctor immediately if you have dark urine, unusual fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, rapid breathing, drowsiness, muscle aches, stomach/abdominal pain, or signs of an infection, such as persistent fever or sore throat.

Combivir Usage: this drug is used to treat HIV infection, generally in combination with other medications. this medication contains lamivudine. use about lamivudine, abacavir, & tenofovir at combination may not be effective at treating HIV infection. If you are currently taking every three of these drugs, youre healthcare professional or physician should carefully review your treatment plan. Consult your physician or pharmacist for more details.

How to use Combivir: this product is taken by mouth. dosage is one pill two times daily, with or with out food. Take exactly as directed & continue to take you're other HIV drugs. do not stop using you're medication unless directed to do so.

Combivir side effects: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, sleep problems may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify some your healthcare professional promptly. Report promptly: muscle pain, stomach pain, tingling and numbness. Unlikely but report promptly: persistent sore throat, fever, yellowing eyes or skin, fatigue, rapid breathing, confusion, hair loss, unusual increase in amount of urine, seizures, dark urine. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusual bleeding or bruising. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back & stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). cause & long-term effects of these changes unknown. Discuss risks & benefits of therapy with youre doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. Seek immediate medical attention if an allergic reaction occurs. Symptoms include: skin rash, difficulty breathing, hives, itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Combivir Precautions: this medication must not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or physician if you have: liver disease. Before using this product, tell your physician your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), blood or bone marrow disorders, kidney problems, heart disease, alcoholism, hepatitis B virus infection, major injuries/surgeries/infections. it product is not recommended in children less than 12 years old since dosage cann't be adjusted since this age group. Lamivudine-containing goods must be used with extreme caution in kid with pancreatitis. this medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks & benefits with youre healthcare professional. it product may be excreted into breast milk. don't breast feed because breast milk can transmit HIV. Consult your doctor or pharmacist since any questions.

Combivir medication interactions: this drug must not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: zalcitabine. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your healthcare professional or pharmacist before starting lamivudine/zidovudine. Tell your doctor of all nonprescription & prescription med you may use, especially of: interferons, another drugs that affect bone marrow (e.g., anticancer drugs, chloramphenicol), abacavir & tenofovir, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, atovaquone, fluconazole, methadone, valproic acid, probenecid, ganciclovir, protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir). this product contains both zidovudine & lamivudine. do not take other medicine containing zidovudine or lamivudine unless directed to do so. do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or healthcare professional approval.

Combivir Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, & confusion.

Combivir special notes: this product isnt a cure for HIV infection but has shown positive results. long-term effects are unknown at this time. Keep all doctor appointments & scheduled laboratory tests as you're condition will be checked closely. it product does not reduce risk about passing virus to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. this is a potent product. don't allow others to use you're medication.

If you missed Combivir dose: If you miss a dose, use this as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of the following dose, skip the missed dose & resume you're usual dosing schedule. It's important not to miss doses about this drug.

Combivir Storage: Store at room temperature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Medical alert: your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.

Active Ingredients : Lamivudine Zidovudine