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lamivudine and zidovudine

Generic Name: lamivudine and zidovudine (lah MIH vue deen and zye DOE vue deen)
Brand Names: Combivir

What is lamivudine and zidovudine?

Lamivudine and zidovudine are antiviral medications. They are in a group of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. This medication helps keep the HIV virus from reproducing in the body.

The combination of lamivudine and zidovudine is used to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medication is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Lamivudine and zidovudine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about lamivudine and zidovudine?

Lamivudine and zidovudine can lower the blood cells in your body that help you fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop taking lamivudine and zidovudine, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function on a regular basis for several months after you stop using this medication. Do not miss any scheduled visits.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lamivudine and zidovudine?

Before taking lamivudine and zidovudine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;

• pancreatitis;

• bone marrow suppression; or

• problems with your muscles.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use lamivudine and zidovudine or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.

How should I take lamivudine and zidovudine?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Lamivudine and zidovudine can be taken with or without food.

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. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Lamivudine and zidovudine can lower the blood cells in your body that help you fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis.

If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop taking this medication, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function at regular visits for several months after you stop using lamivudine and zidovudine. Do not miss any scheduled visits.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a lamivudine and zidovudine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking lamivudine and zidovudine?

Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Lamivudine and zidovudine side effects

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• muscle pain and weakness, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heart rate, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, numbness or cold feeling;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, pale skin;

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• sudden and severe stomach pain with nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and rapid pulse; or

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk);

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite;

• sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams;

• headache, dizziness; or

• cough, runny or stuffy nose.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect lamivudine and zidovudine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• cancer treatments;

• stavudine (Zerit);

• doxorubicin (Adriamycin);

• zalcitabine (Hivid);

• ganciclovir (Cytovene);

• interferon-alfa (Roferon, Intron, Rebetron);

• trimethoprim (Bactrim, Proloprim, Septra, Trimpex); or

• ribavirin (Rebetol, Ribasphere, Copegus Virazole).

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect lamivudine and zidovudine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about lamivudine and zidovudine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Lamivudine and zidovudine is available with a prescription under the brand name Combivir. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Combivir 150 mg lamivudine/300 mg zidovudine-white, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablets.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.