What is this medication for?
Lamivudine and zidovudine are used in combination to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lamivudine and zidovudine belong to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is a part of HIV required to infect cells and make more viruses. 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 disease.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. 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 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. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Combivir® is available as:
- tablet
- 150 mg of lamivudine/300 mg of zidovudine
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.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose for adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older is one tablet (containing 150 mg of lamivudine and 300 mg of zidovudine) taken twice daily. For adults weighing less than 50 kg, children below 12 years of age, and people with reduced liver or kidney function, it is recommended that lamivudine and zidovudine be taken separately so that doses can be adjusted as needed.
This medication may be taken with or without food.
Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
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.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not be taken by anyone with history of significant
sensitivity or allergic reactions to any of its ingredients.