lamivudine/zidovudine - oral, Combivir

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GENERIC NAME: LAMIVUDINE/ZIDOVUDINE - ORAL (la-MIV-ue-deen/zye-DOE-vue-deen)

BRAND NAME(S): Combivir

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Zidovudine, one of the medications in this product, can decrease bone marrow function, which may lead to low numbers of red and white blood cells. A low number of red blood cells can lead to anemia. A low number of white blood cells can decrease your body's ability to fight serious, life-threatening infections. These serious side effects occur more frequently in people with advanced HIV disease (AIDS). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness, fast breathing, pale skin, fast heartbeat) or signs of infection (such as fever, chills, cough, persistent sore throat). Your doctor will check your blood cell counts while you are taking this medication to decrease the risk of these side effects.

Zidovudine may also cause muscle problems. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of muscle problems (such as wasting or decrease in muscle size, weight loss, muscle weakness/pain/tenderness).

Rarely, lamivudine and zidovudine have caused severe (sometimes fatal) liver problems and a certain metabolic problem (lactic acidosis). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver problems (such as persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, pale stools, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, unusual tiredness), or of lactic acidosis (such as stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, fast/difficult breathing, drowsiness, muscle pain, weakness, cold skin). These serious side effects may occur more often in women and obese patients.

If you have hepatitis B infection and HIV, you may have a serious worsening of hepatitis symptoms if you stop taking lamivudine. Talk with your doctor before stopping this medication. Your doctor will monitor liver tests for several months after you stop lamivudine. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of worsening liver problems.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.