What is Combivir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine used for?

This medicine is used to fight the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection that causes AIDS.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Combivir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine be stored?

Store at room temperature in a cool dry place, protect from heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

General drug information:

When should Combivir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications.

What precautions should I follow when taking Combivir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you are taking blood thinners if you have stomach problems if you have peptic ulcers if you have any other medical condition like liver or kidney function impairment or heart problem If you have the chronic liver disease hepatitis B, if you weigh less than 110 pounds If any signs of a pancreas problem develop such as severe abdominal pain that goes on for days, accompanied by nausea and vomiting

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Combivir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine?

This medicine can cause low blood cell count and result in an imbalance in the immune system.

What are the side effects of Combivir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine?

Most severe: Confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, lack of energy, nausea, seizure, vomiting

Most common: Abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, allergic reactions, blisters, blood disorders, bone pain, breast enlargement, chills, cough, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fat redistribution, fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms, hair loss, headache, heart weakness, high blood sugar, indigestion, inflamed blood vessels, insomnia, joint pain, liver disorders, loss of appetite, mouth discoloration, mouth sores, muscle aches or weakness, nasal symptoms, nausea, nerve disorders, pancreatitis, seizures, skin rash, sleep disorders, vomiting, weakness, wheezing

Other: Extra fat around the middle, a "buffalo hump" on the back, and wasting in the arms, legs, and face.

How should I take Combivir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. It's important to keep adequate levels of this medicine in your bloodstream at all times, so you need to take it regularly, exactly as prescribed, even when you're feeling better. Doses can be taken with or without food. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.