Lamivudine/Zidovudine (By Mouth)

Lamivudine (la-MI-vyoo-deen), Zidovudine (zye-DOE-vyoo-deen)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Combivir
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lamivudine (Epivir®, 3TC) or zidovudine (Retrovir®, AZT).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ganciclovir (Cytovene®), interferon-alfa, doxorubicin (Adriamycin®), ribavirin (Virazole®), other medicines to treat HIV (including Trizivir®, lamivudine (Epivir®), zalcitabine (Hivid®), zidovudine (Retrovir®), stavudine (Zerit®)), or an antibiotic (such as Bactrim® or Septra®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken the immune system (such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a weakened immune system, hepatitis B, anemia, or low white blood cell counts.
• You should not breastfeed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. If you also have hepatitis, this may need to continue for several months after you stop using this medicine.
• Being overweight or using this medicine for a long time can increase your chance of severe side effects. If this is a concern for you, discuss this with your doctor.
• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools
• Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Rapid breathing or trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, fever, lightheadedness
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache, mild tiredness
• Runny or stuffy nose, cough
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.