lamivudine/zidovudine - oral, Combivir
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.
USES: This product contains 2 drugs: lamivudine and zidovudine. It is used with other medications to help control your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This product also lowers your risk of getting HIV disease complications (such as new infections, cancer). Both lamivudine and zidovudine belong to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).Lamivudine/zidovudine is not a cure for HIV infection and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to prevent HIV infection after contact with the virus.
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.
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