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|Combivir

Combivir

Combivir is used for:

Treating HIV infection in combination with other medicines.

Combivir is an antiviral combination. Both of these medicines are nucleoside analogues that work together to slow the growth of HIV by blocking an enzyme needed by the virus to reproduce.

Do NOT use Combivir if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Combivir
• you are also taking stavudine, zalcitabine, or other medicines containing lamivudine or zidovudine
• you have severe kidney problems, decreased liver function, abnormal liver function tests, or high levels of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Combivir :

Some medical conditions may interact with Combivir . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• 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

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Combivir . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Interferon alfa or ribavirin because serious liver problems may occur
• Stavudine because its effectiveness may be decreased by Combivir
• Clarithromycin, doxorubicin, rifampin, or zalcitabine because they may decrease the effectiveness of Combivir
• Acetaminophen, ganciclovir, ibuprofen, methadone, probenecid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, valproic acid, vancomycin, or zalcitabine because they may increase the risk of Combivir "s side effects or toxic effects

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Combivir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Combivir :

Use Combivir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Combivir may be taken with or without food.
• Continue to use Combivir even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Taking Combivir at the same times each day will help you remember to take it.
• If you miss a dose of Combivir , take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Combivir .

Important safety information:

• Combivir may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Combivir . Using Combivir alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose of Combivir without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose of Combivir may not provide additional benefit and may increase the risk of side effects.
• Combivir is not a cure for HIV infection and you may continue to acquire illnesses/infections associated with HIV infection. Remain under the care of your health care provider.
• Combivir offers no protection from the transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with HIV. Do not share needles, other injection equipment, or personal items such as toothbrushes or razor blades.
• When your medicine supply begins to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. The virus may develop resistance to Combivir and become more difficult to treat if you stop taking it, even for a short period of time.
• 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. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
• LAB TESTS, including blood cell counts and liver and kidney function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Combivir is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 12 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed. Caution is advised when using Combivir in CHILDREN with a history of pancreatitis, or those who have taken other medicines for HIV infection.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Combivir during pregnancy. Combivir is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Combivir . HIV-infected mothers should not breast-feed their infants because of the risk of transmitting the HIV infection or Combivir .

Possible side effects of Combivir :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Appetite loss; changes in body fat; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; fatigue; headache; indigestion; nasal problems; sleeplessness or other sleep problems; tiredness; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; 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.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; seizures; tiredness; vomiting.

Store Combivir at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Combivir out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Combivir , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Combivir is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Combivir . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.