Generic Combivir is used to fight the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. It is a combination product containing the two AIDS drugs, lamivudine and zidovudine. It is intended for use with additional AIDS drugs. HIV does its damage by slowly destroying the immune system, eventually leaving the body defenseless against infections.

The drugs in Generic Combivir interfere with the virus ability to reproduce, thus staving off the decline of the immune system and preserving better health. Generic Combivir is not a cure for HIV infection or AIDS. It does not completely eliminate HIV from the body or totally restore the immune system. There is still a danger of serious infections, so you should be sure to see your doctor regularly for monitoring and tests.

Generic Combivir is a combination of lamivudine and zidovudine that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Lamivudine and zidovudine are in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine (Hivid) and didanosine (Videx).

During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the bodys cells. The newly-formed viruses then are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner, the infection continually spreads to new, uninfected cells that the body is continually producing, and HIV infection is perpetuated. When producing new viruses, the HIV virus must manufacture new DNA for each virus. Reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that the virus uses to form this new DNA.

Generic Combivir (Lamivudine and zidovudine) inhibit the activity of reverse transcriptase and block the production of DNA and new viruses. Specifically, lamivudine is converted within the body to its active form, lamivudine triphosphate, and zidovudine is converted to its active form, zidovudine triphosphate. The active forms are similar to deoxycytidine triphosphate and thymidine triphosphate, respectively, chemicals that are used by reverse transcriptase to make new DNA. The reverse transcriptase uses lamivudine triphosphate and zidovudine triphosphate instead of deoxycytidine triphosphate and thymidine triphosphate for making DNA, and it is these active forms that interfere with the reverse transcriptase.

The effectiveness of Generic Combivir (lamivudine or zidovudine) when used alone may decrease as the HIV virus develops resistance to the drugs. By combining lamivudine and zidovudine, it is more difficult for the HIV virus to develop resistance to therapy. Therefore Generic Combivir is more effective than lamivudine or zidovudine alone. Generic Combivir does not kill existing HIV virus and it is not a cure for HIV.

Generic Combivir was approved by the FDA in September, 1997.

If you miss a Generic Combivir dose
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose of Generic Combivir, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 Generic Combivir doses at once.

Recommended Generic Combivir dosage

Adults
For adults and adolescents 12 and over, the recommended dose of Generic Combivir is one tablet twice a day.

Children
Generic Combivir should not be taken by children under 12 years of age.

Generic Combivir Overdose
The symptoms of Generic Combivir overdose are unknown at this time. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an Generic Combivir overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of overdose with the Zidovudine component may include:
Confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, lack of energy, nausea, seizure, vomiting

Generic Combivir Storage instructions
Store Generic Combivir at room temperature.

• Chemotherapy drugs,
• Doxorubicin (Doxil, Adriamycin),
• Ganciclovir (Cytovene),
• Interferon (Intron A, Roferon-A),
• Ribavirin (Virazole),
• Stavudine (Zerit),
• Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra),
• Zalcitabine (Hivid)
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Generic Combivir precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Generic Combivir during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Since HIV infection can be passed to your baby through breast milk, you should not breastfeed your infant.

Special warnings about Generic Combivir
Remember that Generic Combivir does not totally eliminate HIV from the body. The HIV infection can still be passed on to others through sexual contact or blood contamination.

Generic Combivir can upset the bodys acid balance. It can also cause low blood cell counts (anemia), which can adversely affect your health. It should be used with extreme caution by anyone with an existing shortage of blood cells or a disease of the bone marrow (where blood cells are produced). It is very important to have your blood tested regularly, especially if you have an advanced case of HIV.

Generic Combivir is known to occasionally cause serious liver problems. If you have the chronic liver disease hepatitis B, the virus that causes it may become resistant to the Lamivudine component of Generic Combivir. Your hepatitis may get worse when Generic Combivir treatment is stopped.

Generic Combivir can cause muscle pain and inflammation. Report these symptoms to your doctor.

If you weigh less than 110 pounds, you should not take Generic Combivir. The Lamivudine component of Generic Combivir is not recommended in people with low body weight.

Because Generic Combivir contains fixed doses of Lamivudine and Zidovudine, it cannot be used by people who might require a decrease or adjustment in the dosage of either drug, such as children and those with poor kidney function.

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can be caused by the Lamivudine component of Generic Combivir. If any signs of a pancreas problem develop such as severe abdominal pain that goes on for days, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, stop taking Generic Combivir and call your doctor immediately.

Another side effect seen in some people receiving drugs for HIV is a redistribution of body fat, leading to extra fat around the middle, a buffalo hump on the back, and wasting in the arms, legs, and face. Researchers dont know whether this represents a long-term health problem or not.

More common Side effects of Generic Combivir may include:
Abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, allergic reactions, blisters, blood disorders, bone pain, breast enlargement, chills, cough, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fat redistribution, fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms, hair loss, headache, heart weakness, high blood sugar, indigestion, inflamed blood vessels, insomnia, joint pain, liver disorders, loss of appetite, mouth discoloration, mouth sores, muscle aches or weakness, nasal symptoms, nausea, nerve disorders, pancreatitis, seizures, skin rash, sleep disorders, vomiting, weakness, wheezing.