Combivir

Combivir is used for:

Treating HIV infection in combination with other medicines.

Combivir is an antiviral combination. Both of these medicines are nucleoside analogues that work together to slow the growth of HIV by blocking an enzyme needed by the virus to reproduce.

Do NOT use Combivir if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Combivir
• you are also taking stavudine, zalcitabine, or other medicines containing lamivudine or zidovudine
• you have severe kidney problems, decreased liver function, abnormal liver function tests, or high levels of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Combivir :

Some medical conditions may interact with Combivir . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you weigh less than 110 lbs (50 kg)
• if you have a history of liver problems (eg, abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis B infection) or lactic acidosis
• if you have a history of kidney problems, a bone marrow disorder, pancreas problems, abnormal blood cell counts, or nerve or muscle problems
• if you are significantly overweight

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Combivir . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Interferon alfa or ribavirin because serious liver problems may occur
• Stavudine because its effectiveness may be decreased by Combivir
• Clarithromycin, doxorubicin, rifampin, or zalcitabine because they may decrease Combivir 's effectiveness
• Acetaminophen, ganciclovir, ibuprofen, methadone, probenecid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, valproic acid, vancomycin, or zalcitabine because they may increase the risk of Combivir 's side effects or toxic effects

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Combivir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.