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Drug Dosing Toolkit: Combivir

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for Veterans and the Public

Combivir (AZT + Epivir)

Type of Drug: Fixed-Dose Combination: Fixed-dose combinations combine the most commonly prescribed doses of several medications into 1 pill.

Approved adult dosing

AZT 300 mg + Epivir 150 mg in a single tablet

one tablet, two times a day

Morning
Combivir
Evening
Combivir

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 as

AZT (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 instructions

Disclaimer: 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.