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Lamivudine + zidovudine

combivir.jpg

Combivir was the first approved combination tablet and consists of both lamivudine (3TC) 150mg and zidovudine (AZT) 300mg.

Combivir is not recommended for first-line therapy however zidovudine/lamivudine remains as the preferred option in pregnant women. This dual-NRTIA type of anti-HIV drug that works by inhibiting a stage of the HIV life cycle called reverse transcription. Non-nucleosides work in a similar way, but are chemically different. has the most safety and efficacy(Of a drug or treatment). The maximum ability of a drug or treatment to produce a result regardless of dosage. A drug passes efficacy trials if it is effective at the dose tested and against the illness for which it is prescribed. In the standard procedure, Phase II clinical trials gauge efficacy, and Phase III trials confirm it. data for both mother and newborn.

Combivir has been shown in multiple clinical trials to be a potent regimen with either a protease inhibitorA type of anti-HIV drug that works by preventing the production of an enzyme, protease, that HIV needs to replicate. or an NNRTI.

Generic name: lamivudine + zidovudine
Pronunciation:COM-bih-veer
Brand name:Combivir
Drug class:double NRTI
Pregnancy safe?Safe for use in pregnancy.
Availability in Australia:
  • Available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) through S100 prescribers.
  • This drug may be available through clinical trials in Australia.
  • You may be able to import this drug from overseas for your personal use.
Presentation:150 mg/300 mg tablet
What the treatment guidelines say:The key reasons for the demotion of zidovudine to second line antiretroviral therapy are concerns re immediate (nausea and headache), medium term (anaemia) and long term (lipoatrophy) toxicity; inconvenience of twice daily dosing and the availability of other apparently less toxic and more convenient options.
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Like most anti-HIV drugs, lamivudine + zidovudine must be taken in combination with other drugs to be completely effective. Your doctor will advise you on the right combination of drugs to suit your circumstances.

Dosage

The normal adult dose is one 150mg/300mg tablet twice a day. The tablets should be swallowed with a drink of water.

Regardless of what you read on this website or elsewhere, you should always take your medications according to your doctor's instructions. If you're unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects

All drugs can produce side effects in some people. These may be mild, moderate or severe, so you should be aware of potential side effects before starting any drug, and speak to your doctor if you experience side effects that concern you.

  • Common side effects may include nausea (upset stomach, feeling sick to the stomach), diarrhoea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, dizziness, muscle pain, lipodystrophy, peripheral neuropathy, insomnia.
  • Less common side effects may include rash, blood disorders, muscle damage, neutropenia, hair loss, anaemia.

    • It's unlikely you will experience all of these side effects, and you may not experience any side effects at all. Before starting any new drug, ask your doctor about side effects you might experience and discuss strategies for dealing with side effects if they do occur. If you experience any significant side effect you should continue taking your medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Interactions with other drugs

If you take Combivir with Ribavirin it may cause or worsen anaemia. Care is needed if taking paracetamol.

Getting spine: the nucleoside backbone

Positive Living article • Paul Kidd • 19 January 2006

Nucleoside analoguesA type of anti-HIV drug that works by inhibiting a stage of the HIV life cycle called reverse transcription. Non-nucleosides work in a similar way, but are chemically different. are the backbone of successful anti-HIV treatments. This article examines some of the issues involved in selecting the best nucleoside backbone. read more »

A tale of two cities

Positive Living article • Paul Kidd • 19 December 2004

With major medical conferences in the United States and Scotland, November was a busy month for HIV medicine. PAUL KIDD reviews some key findings. read more »

The table below shows all the clinical trials in the database with the keyword Combivir.

Sorry, no clinical trials database entries were found that matched your request.

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This Treatments database entry was first published on 26 May 2009 — more than two years ago.

While the content of this treatments database entry was checked for accuracy at the time of publication, NAPWA recommends checking to determine whether the information is the most up-to-date available, especially when making decisions which may affect your health.

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