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National HIV/AIDS Program |  | | |
| Combivir
(AZT + Epivir)
- Type of Drug: Fixed-Dose Combination
Fixed-dose combinations combine the most commonly prescribed doses of several medications into 1 pill. This pill is a combination of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, also called NRTIs, nucleoside analogues, or "nukes." These were the first type of drug available to treat HIV.
When the HIV virus enters a healthy cell, it attempts to make copies of itself. It does this by using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. NRTIs block that enzyme, so HIV cannot make new copies of itself.
Notes on taking this medication- No food restrictions, can take with or without food
- Do not take Combivir with Emtriva or Zerit
- Persons with kidney problems may need an adjustment to their doses of
the component drugs, and have to take them separately, not as a single pill
Same side effects asAZT (Retrovir)- Nausea; stomach discomfort; headache
- Symptoms of anemia (low red blood cell count): fatigue; shortness of breath
- More rarely: muscle wasting; neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
- Changes in body-fat distribution
Epivir- Side effects are rare but include headaches and general sense of feeling ill
- Epivir is active against hepatitis B, and stopping it can cause "flare-up" of hepatitis B
See accompanying chart: Tips for Common Side Effects My doctor's instructionsDisclaimer:This information is not meant to substitute for advice from your medical provider or pharmacist. If you have any questions about your medication dosing, talk to your medical provider or pharmacist. | | | |
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| Reviewed/Updated Date: September 28, 2008 |
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