Lamivudine,Zidovudine


DNX0843.HTM

Lamivudine/Zidovudine (By mouth)
Lamivudine (la-MI-vyoo-deen), Zidovudine (zye-DOE-vyoo-deen)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):Combivir
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lamivudine (3TC, Epivir®) or zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir®).

How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.
  • Combivir® is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment for HIV or AIDS.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any other medicines for HIV or AIDS, especially zalcitabine (Hivid®), Epivir®, or Trizivir®. Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a sulfa drug, such as trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, or TMP/SMX (Bactrim®, Septra®).
  • Tell your doctor if you are using doxorubicin (Adriamycin®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®), interferon-alfa, ribavirin (Virazole®), or Zerit®. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer treatment.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease. Tell your doctor if you have a weakened immune system, hepatitis B, anemia, or low white blood cell counts.
  • This medicine may cause problems with your liver. Make sure your doctor knows if you have any liver problems. Some signs of liver problems are pain in your upper stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, pale-colored stools, or your skin or eyes turning yellow. Call your doctor if you have these signs. Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor.
  • You should not breast feed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. If you also have hepatitis, this may need to continue for several months after you stop using this medicine.
  • Being overweight or using this medicine for a long time can increase your chance of severe side effects. If this is a concern for you, talk with your doctor.
  • This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
  • Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach.
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
  • Rapid breathing, trouble breathing, or nausea and vomiting.
  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, fever, or chills.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Headache, mild tiredness.
  • Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
  • Puffy face or increased fat in your neck, upper back, breast, or around your waist.
  • Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, cough.
  • Trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.