Combivir (300 mg)

Combivir contains two different drugs called Lamivudine and Zidovudine. It belongs to the class of drugs known as Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs). When both the drugs are combined, it creates a more sustainable and strong drug helping in the process of treatment. Combivir was approved in 26th September, 1997 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This medication is marketed by ViiV Healthcare. It is listed in the pregnancy category C. The usual route of administration is oral in case of Combivir.

Composition of Combivir

This combination drug containing two important tablets are nucleoside analogues which are synthetic in nature. The Combivir tablets are orally administered to the patient. A single tablet contains 300 mg of Zidovudine and 150 mg of Lamivudine. The inactive ingredients in this medication are discussed as follows:

  • Titanium dioxide
  • Sodium starch glycolate
  • Polysorbate 80
  • Polyethylene glycol
  • Microcrystalline cellulose
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Hypromellose
  • Colloidal silicon dioxide

Uses of Combivir

This combination drug containing Zidovudine and Lamivudine is used along with other HIV medications for controlling HIV infection as far as possible. It helps in the reduction of the virus from the body for making the immune system work better. Hence, it results in lowered chances of HIV complications (like cancer and new infections) and a better quality of life. This medication does not cure HIV infection but curbs its spread to other individuals.

Combivir 300/150mg Tablets

Side-effects of Combivir

Using such a strong medication will cause side-effects in the patient suffering from HIV. Some of these side-effects are:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Chills
  • Pale skin
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Stomach or abdominal pain (severe in nature)
  • Pain, numbness, tingling, or burning in the legs, feet, hands, or arms
  • Muscle weakness and tenderness
  • Skin rash
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Yellow skin and eyes
  • Peeling, loosening, or blistering of the skin
  • Canker sores
  • Convulsions
  • Dark urine
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Irregular, pounding, or fast heartbeat
  • Faintness
  • Shallow and fast breathing
  • Feeling of general discomfort
  • Itching
  • Welts or hives
  • Swelling, puffiness, or itching of the eyelids
  • Light-coloured stools
  • Irritated, red eyes
  • Losing bladder control
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Muscle spasms, cramping, pain, or stiffness
  • Breathlessness
  • Sleepiness
  • Stabbing pain
  • Ulcers, white spots, or sores on the tongue or lips or in the mouth

Contraindications of Combivir

Under various conditions the patient must not be allowed to consume Combivir. Some of these conditions are:

  • Allergic reaction to Lamivudine Zidovudine
  • Muscle problems
  • Severe liver disease
  • Enlarged fatty liver
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney disease
  • Severe or moderate kidney impairment
  • Enlarged liver
  • Muscle inflammation
  • Anaemia
  • Decreased Neutrophils

Combivir and Pregnancy

Though there has been no controlled experiment done on human pregnancy, animal studies have not shown significant evidences of teratogenicity.