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What is Combivir
 Lamivudine
and zidovudine are antiviral medications. They are in a category
of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Lamivudine and zidovudine inhibit the reproduction of HIV
in the body.
Lamivudine
and zidovudine 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.
General medical information 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 doctor's 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 you should find out 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 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 doctor's 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.
If you 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 you 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.
Avoid while taking Combivir Follow your doctor's 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.
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. |
