Brand Name
Combivir
Common Name
lamivudine - zidovudine
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Lamivudine and zidovudine belong to a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is a part of HIV required to infect cells and make more virus. HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Lamivudine and zidovudine are used in combination to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Lamivudine and zidovudine prevent reverse transcriptase from working properly.
These medications do not cure AIDS and do not prevent it from being spread to others, but they do help to slow down the progression of the disease. This may help to delay the development of problems related to AIDS or HIV-related conditions.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose for adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older is one tablet twice daily. For adults weighing less than 50 kg (110 pounds), children below 12 years of age, and people with reduced kidney function, it is recommended that lamivudine and zidovudine be taken separately so doses of each medication can be adjusted as needed.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed. The effectiveness of the medication depends on there being the right amount of lamivudine and zidovudine in the bloodstream. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses. If you forget many doses in a row, talk to your doctor about how to resume taking your medication.
Do not stop taking this medication without telling your doctor.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each white to off-white, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet, imprinted with GXFC3 on one face, contains lamivudine 150 mg and zidovudine 300 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to lamivudine, zidovudine, or to any of this medications ingredients.
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