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Lamivudine/Zidovudine Combivir
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la-MI-vyoo-deen, zye-DOE-vyoo-deen   Audio

Brand Name: Combivir  Audio
Drug Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Combivir, is a combination of the two antiretroviral drugs: lamivudine (Epivir) and zidovudine (Retrovir). Both of these medicines are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). NRTIs block reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Lamivudine and zidovudine are approved individually by the FDA for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children. Because these two medicines are frequently prescribed together, the manufacturer has combined them into one tablet. Combivir was approved by the FDA as a coformulation on September 27, 1997, for use in combination with other antiretroviral medications for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and in children more than 12 years old.
This medicine does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.

Dosage Form/Administration
Combivir comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth.


Recommended Daily Dose
The recommended dose of Combivir for adults and children at least 12 years of age is one tablet (150 mg lamivudine and 300 mg zidovudine) twice a day.
Some patients may require a different dose of lamivudine or zidovudine. These patients should not take Combivir.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.
Warnings and side effects of lamivudine/zidovudine may be similar to those for each of the medicines separately. (See individual drug fact sheets for lamivudine and zidovudine for more information.) Children younger than 12 years old should not take lamivudine/zidovudine. Individuals who have blood disease, kidney or liver disease, or an inflamed pancreas should tell a doctor before using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, lamivudine/zidovudine can cause some unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include burning, tingling, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs; chills; ear, nose, or throat problems; fever; muscle aches; nausea; pale skin; severe stomach pain; skin rash; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; or yellow eyes or skin. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.
Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include cough; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; mild stomach cramps or pain; or trouble sleeping. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications, prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications, also being taken.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Lamivudine/Zidovudine.

Manufacturer Information
Lamivudine/Zidovudine
  GlaxoSmithKline
  5 Moore Drive
  Research Triangle Park,  NC  27709
  (888) 825-5249
    

Combivir
  GlaxoSmithKline
  5 Moore Drive
  Research Triangle Park,  NC  27709
  (888) 825-5249
    
Updated May 10, 2007