Combivir medication: what it is and how it helps

Combivir is a fixed-dose tablet that combines zidovudine (AZT) and lamivudine (3TC). Doctors prescribe it as part of antiretroviral therapy to control HIV. It doesn’t cure HIV, but used correctly it lowers viral load, protects your immune system, and reduces the chance of AIDS-related illness.

How to take Combivir

The usual adult dose is one tablet twice daily (each tablet contains 300 mg zidovudine + 150 mg lamivudine). Take it with or without food at about the same times each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is close—don’t double up.

Adherence matters. Skipping doses or stopping suddenly can let the virus rebound and lead to drug resistance. If side effects are bothering you, talk to your clinician—there are alternative regimens.

Common side effects and serious risks

Common side effects include nausea, headache, fatigue, and sometimes muscle pain. Zidovudine can cause bone marrow suppression, so anemia and low white blood cell counts happen in some people. Lamivudine is usually well tolerated but can cause headache or nausea.

Serious but less common problems: lactic acidosis and severe liver enlargement with fatty change, especially in people with existing liver disease. If you develop unexplained tiredness, fast breathing, stomach pain, yellowing skin, or dark urine, get medical help right away.

Also avoid combining Combivir with other products that contain zidovudine or lamivudine—taking duplicate drugs raises the risk of toxicity. Certain drugs that suppress bone marrow (for example, some chemotherapy agents or ganciclovir) can increase blood-related side effects.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Combivir has been used in pregnancy to reduce mother-to-child transmission, but that choice must be guided by a clinician. Some antiretrovirals appear in breast milk; follow local medical advice about breastfeeding.

Monitoring while on Combivir: expect regular blood tests. Your doctor will check complete blood count (for anemia, neutropenia), liver tests, and monitor viral load and CD4 count to judge how well treatment is working.

Storage and safety: keep tablets in the original container at room temperature and away from moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Combivir is prescription-only—don’t buy from questionable online sellers. Use licensed pharmacies and confirm prescriptions with your healthcare provider.

If you have questions about side effects, interactions, or pregnancy, ask your clinician or pharmacist. Practical steps—take doses on time, keep appointments for blood work, and report worrying symptoms quickly—make Combivir work better and safer for you.