Combivir

Lamivudine with Zidovudine tablet What kind of medication is this? Two antiretroviral medications, LAMIVUDINE and ZIDOVUDINE, are combined into a single tablet. In combination with other medications, it is used to treat HIV. This medication does not treat or cure HIV in any way. It will not prevent the HIV virus from spreading to other people. Before I start using this medication, what information is important for my physician to have? People have a right to know if you suffer from any of the following conditions: difficulties with either the blood or the bone marrow a reaction that is uncommon or allergic to lamivudine, zidovudine, or any other drugs, foods, colors, or preservatives; renal illness; liver disease; breastfeeding women who are either pregnant or attempting to conceive a child What is the correct way to take this medication? This medication should be taken orally with a full glass of water. You can take this medication either with or without food. Either way is OK. Always remember to take your medication at the prescribed times. Do not take your medication more frequently than recommended by the label. If you want your anti-HIV treatment to be as effective as it can be, make sure to take each dose exactly as directed. Even if you start to feel better, you should not miss doses of your medication or stop taking it altogether. It is possible that skipping doses will cause the HIV virus to become resistant to this medication as well as other medications. Do not discontinue taking unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor. Have a discussion with your child's physician about the possibility of giving them this medication. There are some instances in which this medication can be recommended to children as young as 12 years old; nevertheless, there are certain precautions that must be taken. In the event that you believe you may have taken an excessive amount of this medication, you should immediately contact a poison control center or an emergency facility. PLEASE TAKE NOTE That no one else should use this medication. It is important that others not use this medication. What should I do if I forget a dose? If you forget to take a dosage, you should take it as soon as you remember it. Take only that dose if it is getting close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take duplicate or additional dosages. What other substances could react with this medication? atovaquone doxorubicin fluconazole ganciclovir interferon methadone nelfinavir probenecid ribavirin ritonavir stavudine sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim, SMX-TMP trimethoprim valproic acid zalcitabine, ddC It's probable that this list doesn't cover all of the possible interactions. Provide your doctors and other medical staff with a list of any and all medications, herbs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements that you use. Additionally let them know whether you are a smoker, a drinker, or if you take any illicit substances. It's possible that certain things might react badly with your medication. What side effects should I be on the lookout for when using this medication? Check in with your primary care physician or another qualified medical expert on a regular basis. Talk to your doctor about any new symptoms you've noticed. When you are on this medication, you will need to have significant blood work performed. The HIV virus can be passed on to other people through sexual contact or by blood contact. Have a conversation with your primary care provider about ways to prevent the further spread of HIV. If you have hepatitis B, you should discuss with your physician any plans you have to discontinue or alter your treatment. If you stop using this medication, it's possible that the symptoms of hepatitis B will become more severe. It is not recommended to take over-the-counter drugs to relieve severe stomach discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. Call your doctor. This medication has the potential to affect blood. When you are on this medication, you may experience slower healing as well as an increased risk of infection. Make every effort to keep your hands and feet from becoming cut. As you brush or floss your teeth, you should exercise caution so that you do not cause injury to your teeth or gums. What potential negative reactions may I have to this medication? You should report the following side effects to your physician or another qualified medical expert as soon as possible: difficultly inhaling and exhaling symptoms such as depression, fever, chills, or a sore throat muscular aches, pains, and weakness pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet seizures unusual bruises or bleeding depression fever, chills, or a sore throat muscle aches, pains, and weakness pain, tingling a lack of energy or unexpected fatigue unusual weight increase around the waist or back unusual thinning of the face, arms, or legs Adverse effects that, in most cases, do not need seeking medical attention (although you should let your doctor or another health care expert know if they persist or become bothersome): cough diarrhea\sdifficulty sleeping dizziness headache lack of hunger and appetite nausea, vomiting runny, stuffy nose gastrointestinal distress and pain It's conceivable that this list doesn't cover all of the potential negative consequences. Where exactly may I store my medication? Be sure that youngsters can't get their hands on it. Storage between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Make sure the lid is on the container nice and tight. After the expiration date, any medicine that has been used but not finished should be thrown away.