lamivudine and zidovudine, Combivir (cont.)

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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NURSING MOTHERS: Use of Combivir by nursing mothers has not been studied. Lamivudine and zidovudine are excreted in breast milk. HIV infected mothers should not breast feed because of the potential risk of transmitting HIV to an infant that is not infected.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most serious side effects of Combivir are a decrease in blood cells, muscle pain (myopathy) or muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), pancreatitis, liver enlargement, fatty liver, hypersensitivity reactions, and metabolic disturbance (lactic acidosis). Other side effects include chills, rash, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, headache, cough, and insomnia. Accumulation or redistribution of fat also may occur.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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