Health Library

Lamivudine/zidovudine (By mouth)

Lamivudine (la-MIV-ue-deen), Zidovudine (zye-DOE-vue-deen)

Treats HIV infection. HIV causes AIDS. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Combivir

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Your doctor may give you an oral liquid if your child has trouble swallowing tablets.
• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Doxorubicin, ganciclovir, interferon-alfa, ribavirin, sorbitol, stavudine, or zalcitabine
  • Steroid or cancer treatment

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), muscle problems, or a history of pancreas problems.
• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Myopathy (muscle weakness)
  • Lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood)
  • Severe liver problems
  • Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
  • Changes in body fat
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
• Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. If you stop taking this medicine or do not take it as prescribed, you may spread HIV to others. Do not reuse or share needles, or other items, that may have blood or body fluids on them.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Decrease or loss of body fat, especially in the face, arms, legs, or buttocks
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Stuffy or runny nose

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024