Indications
Combivir is a prescription medication used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection in adults and children. It is a fixed-dose combination tablet containing two active ingredients: lamivudine and zidovudine. Both ingredients belong to a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Combivir works by preventing the virus from multiplying and spreading in the body. It is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs as part of a comprehensive HIV treatment regimen.
Uses and Dosage
Combivir comes in the form of a tablet to be taken by mouth with or without food as directed by a healthcare professional, usually twice daily. Take the tablet with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless instructed otherwise by a doctor. Only take this medication if prescribed by a doctor who has determined the right doses of both medications in this product for the patient. It should not be used by children weighing less than 30 kilograms (66 pounds).
Continue taking Combivir and other HIV medications exactly as prescribed, without skipping doses or changing the dose unless directed by a doctor. Skipping doses or changing the dose without approval from a doctor may increase the amount of virus in the body, make the infection more difficult to manage, result in drug resistance or worsening side effects.
- The dosage of Combivir in HIV-1-infected adults and adolescents weighing greater than or equal to 30 kg is 1 tablet (containing 150 mg of lamivudine and 300 mg of zidovudine) taken orally twice daily.
- The typical dosage of scored Combivir tablets for pediatric patients who weigh greater than or equal to 30 kg and for whom a solid oral dosage form is appropriate is 1 tablet administered orally twice daily.
Side effect
Common Side Effects of Combivir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine):
- Cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, cough)
- Diarrhea
- General ill feeling
- Headache
- Loss of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, and buttocks)
- Nausea
- Tiredness
Serious Side Effects of Combivir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine):
- Cold hands and feet
- Cough
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling cold
- Fever
- Irregular heart rate
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of appetite
- Menstrual changes, and
- Problems with balance or eye movement
- Right-sided upper stomach pain
- Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back
- Shortness of breath,
- Stomach pain
- Swelling around your midsection
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Trouble speaking or swallowing
- Unusual muscle pain
- Unusual tiredness
- Weakness
- Weakness or prickly feeling
- Weight loss
- Wheezing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Form and Strength
Combivir (Lamivudine/Zidovudine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Combivir: Tablet
- 150/300 mg
Lamivudine/Zidovudine: Tablet
- 150/300 mg
Caution
- Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis are possible side effects.
- Sufficient data are not available to make specific dosing recommendations for patients under 3 months of age.
- Caution should be exercised when administering zidovudine (one of the components of Combivir) to any patient.
- Combivir should not be used in patients with severe liver disease.
- Drug interactions may occur with other medications.
- Patients should be monitored closely for possible adverse effects.
- Combivir may decrease the number of blood cells in your body, which can increase your risk of infections, bleeding, or bruising.
- Patients with a history of bone marrow suppression or cytotoxic drug use may be at greater risk of hematologic toxicity while taking Combivir.
- Combivir should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems due to an increased risk of side effects.
- The safety and efficacy of Combivir use during pregnancy have not been established, and it should only be used in pregnant patients if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do side effects last?
While it may be expected that some prescription and over the counter medications have side effects that may last 10 to 12 hours, some side effects may occur even longer after the medication is taken.
How do you control side effects of tablets?
To reduce your risk of experiencing side-effects: Take all medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
How much time gap between tablets?
Taking your medications at the proper intervals during the day. Every 12 hours for a drug that needs to be taken twice a day, or every 8 hours for a drug that needs to be taken three times a day.
Can I continue to take other medications while on Combivir?
This depends on the specific medications you are taking and whether they may interact with Combivir. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medications while on Combivir.
Is it safe to take Combivir while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Combivir should only be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the benefits outweigh the risks, as it may potentially harm the fetus or infant.
Resources
- https://www.drugs.com/combivir.html
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/020857s034lbl.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4675/combivir-oral/details
- https://www.poz.com/drug/combivir
- https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/drugs/lamivudine-zidovudine/patient
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/20857s030lbl.pdf
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