Drugs & Vitamins

Lamivudine and Zidovudine Active Ingredients: Lamivudine and Zidovudine Representative Names: 3TC and AZT, 3TC and ZDV, Combivir Available Product Images: What are Combivir® tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with Combivir®? What side effects may I notice from taking Combivir®? What should I watch for while taking Combivir®? Where can I keep my medicine? What are Combivir® tablets? (Back to top) Combivir® is a combination of two antiviral drugs in one tablet. Combivir® can slow down the damage caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The amount of HIV virus in the blood is called "viral load." Combivir® can reduce the viral load, especially when combined with another anti-HIV drug. Combivir® will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. Generic lamivudine/zidovudine combination tablets are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •dental problems •kidney disease •liver disease •pancreatitis •tingling or numbness in the hands or feet •an unusual or allergic reaction to lamivudine, zidovudine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take Combivir® tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take Combivir® with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. It is very important that you take this medicine exactly as instructed by your prescriber or health care professional. Try not to miss any doses of Combivir®. Also, do not stop taking this medicine unless you are told to stop by your prescriber or health care professional. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with Combivir®? (Back to top) •atovaquone •fluconazole •interferon •probenecid •valproic acid •zalcitabine, ddC Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking Combivir®? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •depression •dizziness •fever or chills, sore throat •loss of appetite •muscle pain or weakness •nausea, vomiting •pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet •shortness of breath •unusual bleeding or bruising •unusual tiredness or weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •change in nail color •cough •diarrhea •difficulty sleeping •headache •runny or stuffy nose •skin rash •tiredness •upset stomach What should I watch for while taking Combivir®? (Back to top) You must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Combivir® will not cure HIV infection and you can still get other illnesses associated with HIV. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you get tingling, pain or numbness in your hands or feet. Tell your prescriber or health care professional at once if you have nausea and vomiting accompanied by severe stomach pain. Combivir® can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth. Your prescriber or health care professional will check your blood counts while you are receiving Combivir®. It is very important that you keep any appointments that are scheduled by your prescriber or health care professional. Taking Combivir® does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:11/06/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.