Combivir Information

The active ingredients in Combivir are:

• Lamivudine: 150 mg
• Zidovudine: 300 mg

Other inactive ingredients may include:

• Magnesium stearate – 5 mg
• Microcrystalline cellulose – 50 mg
• Colloidal silicon dioxide – 2 mg
• Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose – 15 mg

Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention:

• Liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain)
• Severe anemia or low blood cell counts
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Severe lactic acidosis (deep, rapid breathing, muscle pain, weakness, feeling cold)
• Pancreatitis (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)

Combivir is typically taken as one tablet twice a day, with or without food. It should be taken at the same times every day to ensure consistent levels of the medication in your body.

Important considerations:

• Always take Combivir exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication suddenly, as this can lead to resistance or a worsening of your condition.
• It is important to maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider while on this medication.

Combivir can interact with several medications, so it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking.

Common interactions:

• Rifampin: May reduce the effectiveness of Combivir.
• Other antiretroviral drugs: May affect the levels of each drug in the body.
• Fluconazole: Can increase the levels of Zidovudine and Lamivudine in the blood.
• Ganciclovir: May increase the risk of blood cell problems.

Combivir typically starts working to reduce the viral load within a few weeks of consistent use. However, it is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you start to feel better, to ensure long-term effectiveness and prevent the development of drug resistance.

Combination therapy usually helps to keep the HIV viral load low, but full control of the infection may take several months to achieve optimal results.

If you experience severe side effects such as liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine), extreme fatigue, muscle pain, or unusual bruising, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention.

If you experience symptoms of lactic acidosis (rapid breathing, muscle pain, weakness, feeling cold) or pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting), get medical help immediately.