COMBIVIR

Drug Uses
Combivir is used for treatment of HIV infection in combination with other medicines.

How Taken
Use Combivir as directed by your doctor. Take Combivir with or without a meal. Continue to use Combivir even if you feel well. Taking Combivir at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Combivir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Combivir, if you weigh less than 110 lbs (50 kg), if you have a history of liver problems (eg, abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis B infection) or lactic acidosis, if you have a history of kidney problems, a bone marrow disorder, pancreas problems, abnormal blood cell counts, or nerve or muscle problems, if you are significantly overweight, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Combivir while you are pregnant. Combivir is found in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Combivir. Mothers infected with HIV should not breast–feed. There is a risk of passing the HIV infection or Combivir to the baby.. Some medicines may interact with Combivir. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Combivir if you are also taking stavudine, zalcitabine, or other medicines containing lamivudine or zidovudine. The risk of side effects may be greater and additional benefits may not be obtained if you take Combivir in high doses. Combivir does not cure HIV infection. Patients may still get illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor. Combivir does not stop the spread of HIV to others through blood or sexual contact. Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have HIV infection. Do not share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors. When your medicine supply is low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can. Do not stop taking Combivir, even for a short period of time. If you do, the virus may grow resistant to the medicine and become harder to treat. Do not stop taking Combivir without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions, including hepatitis B, may become worse if Combivir is suddenly stopped. Changes in body fat (eg, an increased amount of fat in the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk, and loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face) may occur in some patients taking Combivir. The cause and long–term effects of these changes are unknown. Combivir should not be used in children younger than 12 years old. Safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. Caution is advised when using Combivir in children with a history of pancreatitis, or children who have taken other medicines for HIV infection.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Appetite loss, changes in body fat, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, indigestion, nasal problems, and sleeplessness or other sleep problems, tiredness, weakness. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), dark urine, depression, fast or irregular heartbeat, infection (fever, chills, sore throat), inflammation of the pancreas (severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting), joint pain, mental/mood changes, muscle pain, nausea, numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs, seizures, shortness of breath, stomach tenderness or pain, swelling or soreness of the mouth or tongue, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness, unusual weakness or exhaustion, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Storage
Store Combivir at 36 – 86 °F (2 and 30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Combivir out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Combivir overdose are- confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, seizures, tiredness, vomiting.

More Information
Combivir may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may worsen if Combivir is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Combivir with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Combivir should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.