Generic name: Lamivudine – Zidovudine
Brand name: Combivir
General Information:
Combivir is prescribed in combination with other drugs to cure HIV infection. Combivir belongs to antiviral remedies. The components of Combivir make the growth of HIV slower by blocking an enzyme.
Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.
Don’t stop treatment with Combivir earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. Don’t give Combivir to a child weighing less than 66 lbs (30 kg).
Important Information:
Combivir may be not effective if it is used alone. It is better to combine it with other medicines. Please be informed that this remedy will not kill existing HIV virus. Combivir does not treat HIV. It was approved by the FDA in September, 1997. Combivir provides two pills in one tablet.
Use condoms if you have HIV infection. Never share needles, items like toothbrushes or razors, injection supplies.
Don’t stop using this remedy, unless otherwise is recommended by your physician. If Combivir is suddenly stopped some conditions, including hepatitis B, may become worse.
You may experience changes in body fat. Consult your doctor to get detailed information.
Be prepared to make blood, kidney and liver tests to monitor your condition. Follow all instructions of your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding: contact your doctor as soon as possible if you become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your physician the benefits of Combivir if you are pregnant. Don’t breast-feed during treatment.
In which cases Combivir shouldn’t be used?
Don’t take this drug together with zalcitabine, stavudine or other remedies which contain zidovudine or lamivudine. This medicine shouldn’t be used in case you have certain medical conditions.
Before using this medicine, consult your physician if you have liver disease.
Before using this product, tell your medical assistant your medical history, including:
- heart disease
- blood or bone marrow disorders
- hepatitis B virus infection
- alcoholism
- allergies (especially drug allergies)
- major injuries/surgeries/infections
- kidney problems
How is Combivir expected to be taken?
Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Don’t share this medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s recommendations. Don’t take more or longer than your doctor recommended.
Take Combivir orally with or without food. Usual dosage is one pill 2 times a day. Ask your doctor any questions about how to use this remedy.
What should I do if I miss the dose?
If you miss the dose, try to take it as soon as you have the opportunity. If it is time for your next dose, take only one dose. You don’t have to double the dose.
Overdosage:
Taking any medicine in large doses you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your health care professional instantly.
In large doses, this remedy may cause the following conditions:
- nausea
- dizziness
- vomiting
- headache
- tiredness
- confusion
- seizures
- drowsiness
Which side effects can I perceive from this remedy?
Most common side effects:
- appetite loss
- tiredness
- indigestion
- changes in body fat
- dizziness
- sleeplessness or other sleep problems
- diarrhea
- weakness
- nasal problems
- headache
- fatigue
- cough
Contact your physician immediately if you notice any of the following serious side effects:
- allergy like skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, hives, itching, difficulty breathing
- joint pain
- nausea
- stomach tenderness or pain
- vomiting
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- dark urine
- numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs
- unusual tiredness
- depression
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- infection (chills, fever, sore throat)
- shortness of breath
- muscle pain
- inflammation of the pancreas (severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting)
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- mood or mental changes
- soreness or swelling of the tongue or mouth
- seizures
- unusual exhaustion or weakness
This list of side effects may be not complete, others may occur. Inform your medical practitioners about all side effects you experience.
Interactions:
- stavudine because Combivir may decrease its effectiveness
- ibuprofen, ganciclovir, zalcitabine, probenecid, vancomycin, methadone, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, valproic acid or acetaminophen because they may increase the risk of Combivir ‘s side effects or toxic effects
- interferon alfa or ribavirin because serious liver problems may occur
- doxorubicin, clarithromycin, zalcitabine, rifampin because they may decrease Combivir’s effectiveness
This list of interactions may be not complete. Provide your medical practitioners entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.
Storage:
Combivir should be stored at room temperature, in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Combivir out of the reach of children and away from animals.
Warning: Before taking the drug you need to consult your doctor. The information contained in this article is not intended to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, directions, uses, allergic reactions or warnings.
He knows everything about medications – to which pharmacological group the drug belongs, what components are included in its composition, how it differs from its analogs, what indications, contraindications, and side effects remedy has. John is a real pro in his field, so he knows all these subtleties and wants to tell you about them.