Combivir® (AZT/3TC)
Who should take this?
Children younger than 12 years old should not take lamivudine and zidovudine. Individuals who have blood disease, kidney or liver disease, or an inflamed pancreas should tell a doctor before using this medicine.
How is it taken? / Dosage
Combivir comes in a tablet that is taken by mouth with or without food. It should be taken with a full glass of water. Combivir should be taken exactly as the doctor prescribes.
Missing a dose makes it less effective against HIV. It also makes it more likely the HIV will develop a resistance to the drugs.
If you miss a does take it right away, unless it is time for your next dose. Then you can skip the missed dose and take your next dose, do not double up the doses.
Side Effects
When taking a combination of drugs, the side effects are the same for each part of the combination. AZT can cause low levels of red or white blood cells. This may cause anemia. The signs include unusual tiredness, pale skin, sore throat, fever or chills. Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems have been reported with Combivir. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, unusual stomach discomfort, weakness, shortness of breath, weakness in the arms and legs, yellowing of the skin or eyes or pain in the upper stomach area. Serious cases of pancreatitis have been reported from Combivir. Symptoms of pancreatitis are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and fever.
Some serious side effects can occur while taking Combivir such as:
- Bone marrow problems
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Myopathy
- Redistribution of body fat (lipodystrophy)
If a person has difficulty breathing, a closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue or face or hives, he or she may be allergic to Combivir.
Drug Interactions
Both parts of Combivir, lamivudine and AZT, may interact with other drugs.
Drugs reactions that can with lamivudine, include drugs to treat:
- Urinary tract infections, such as Bactrim®, Cotrim®, Septra® or Sulfatrim® (trimethoprim /sulfamethoxazole)
Drug reactions that can occur with AZT, include drugs to treat:
- Acid reflux or heartburn such as Propulsid® (cisapride).
- Fungus infections, such as Diflucan® (fluconazole)
- Heroin addiction, such as methadone
- HIV, including Norvir® (ritonavir), Viracept® (nelfinavir)
- Pneumocystis carinii, such as Mepron® (atovaquone)
- Seizures or bipolar disorder, such as Depakene® or Depakote® (valproic acid)
Resistance
Combivir drug resistance means that HIV still reproduces in a person who is taking the drug. Since Combivir consists of Retrovir and Epivir, this usually implies multi-drug resistant HIV. However, understanding resistance to Combivir means first to understand resistance to each drug.
