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Combivir – Lamivudine/Zidovudine

September 26, 2009

Combivir is an HIV medication  that contains two HIV drugs namely, lamivudine also known as 3TC, Evider and zidovudine also called AZT, Retrovir. These drugs contained are called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) or nukes. It can be used alone or with other HIV medications to help control HIV infections.These  drugs block  the reverse transcriptase enzyme. This enzyme changes HIV’s genetic material (RNA) into the form of  DNA.

Combivir is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Several generic versions have been approved for sale outside the US.

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Do not administer Combivir to children who weighs less than  66 pounds. HIV positive people are restricted from using  Combivir  if  allergic to lamivudine and zidovudine.Combivir should be taken  together with any medication  that  may contain any of  the  two: Epiver, Retrovir, Ezicom (Abacavir and Lamivudine) and  Trizivir (Avacabir,  Lamivudine,  Zidovudine)

Other side effects include headache, tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, dizziness, stuffy nose, cough, or constipation. If any of these symptoms   persist inform your doctor  immediately.

For HIV positive people who are taking HIV medications for the first time, you may experience a return of symptoms from an old infection. This may happen as your immune system begins to perform better and is called the immune reconstitution syndrome. HIV-AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications . Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Never discontinue combivir or any AARV therapy without direct advice from your doctor. If you do you could cause the virus to devleop resistance to your current HIV regimen and your cd4 count could drop to a dangerous level.

 

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