Safely Buy Combivir ( Lamivudine/zidovudine ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Combivir is a brand-name fixed-dose combination medication used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Combivir contains two antiviral drugs, lamivudine, and zidovudine, which work together to help control HIV. Combivir is available in the form of film-coated tablets and is taken orally.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking lamivudine/zidovudine, and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times daily. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 millilitres) unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

Because this combination product has fixed doses of lamivudine and zidovudine, it should only be used if your doctor has determined that the doses of both medications in this product are right for you. This product is not to be used by children weighing less than 30 kilograms (66 pounds).

It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.

For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Combivir: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Liver problems – swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Low red blood cells (anemia) – pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, or cold hands and feet
• Low white blood cell counts – fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, or trouble breathing
• Pancreatitis – severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea, and vomiting
• Lamivudine and zidovudine affect your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you have taken this medicine)

Tell your doctor if you have:

• Signs of a new infection – fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, or weight loss
• Trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness, or prickly feeling
• Swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, or impotence

Common Combivir side effects may include:

• Headache
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Tiredness, general ill feeling
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, or cough
• Loss of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, and buttocks)

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

Before taking lamivudine/zidovudine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either drug; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), alcohol use, and low red/white blood cell counts.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzier. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Also, limit alcohol because it can increase the risk of liver problems and pancreatitis.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially pancreatitis.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. Treatment can lower the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Lamivudine and zidovudine pass into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breastfeed.

Form and Strengths

Combivir is available in the following form and strengths:

• Combivir Tablet:
  • 150/300 mg
• Lamivudine/Zidovudine Tablet:
  • 150/300 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

What to avoid?

Avoid taking other medications that contain an ingredient called sorbitol, often used as a sweetener in liquid medicines. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure a medicine contains this ingredient.

Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drugs or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Resources:

1. https://www.drugs.com/combivir.html#side-effects
2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4675/combivir-oral/details
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/20857s030lbl.pdf
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2374941/