Explanation

Lamivudine/zidovudine (also called Combivir®) is a combination of two different medicines - lamivudine and zidovudine - inside the same tablet! It's used to fight HIV.

What does it do?

Lamivudine/zidovudine is an anti-viral medicine and it fights HIV. It's a type of reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

Lamivudine/zidovudine gives your body's immune system a chance to get stronger, which helps win the battle against HIV.

What does it look like?

Lamivudine/zidovudine comes as a tablet that you can swallow with a big glass of water. It has a smooth coating on the outside that makes it easy to swallow.

When do I have to take it?

You will most probably need to take a dose of lamivudine/zidovudine twice every day. You take one dose in the morning and the other dose in the evening.

Your doctor will tell you when you should take your lamivudine/zidovudine.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

If you don't take your lamivudine/zidovudine, your HIV will keep spreading, making it harder for your immune system to fight it.

Taking your medicine is the best way to help your immune system win the battle against HIV.

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take your lamivudine/zidovudine, take it as soon as you remember. Then you should take your next dose as usual at the normal time.

If you miss a dose completely, don't take twice as much next time to catch up. Remember the three Ds: Don't Double Dose!

How much do I take?

How much lamivudine/zidovudine you take depends on how old you are and how much you weigh. Your doctor will tell you exactly how much you need to take.

You will need to take it twice every day.

Don't forget to take your lamivudine/zidovudine. Even if the adults looking after you forget - go and remind them!

What are the most likely side effects I might get?

Sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference between the side effects of lamivudine and illnesses you get because of HIV.

The most likely side effects you may have are a headache and feeling sick. Some other likely side effects you may have include:

Feeling or being sick

A sore tummy

Having diarrhoea (runny poo)

Aching joints and muscles

Feeling dizzy

Feeling tired

Hair loss

Feeling tired (caused by not having enough red blood cells)

Getting more infections (caused by not having enough white blood cells )

Having problems sleeping

You should tell your doctor if you have any of the side effects in this list.

What other side effects might I get?

Some side effects that you are less likely to get if you take lamivudine/zidovudine include:

Wind (farting)

Feeling out of breath

Getting a rash on your skin

Having a fever

Generally aching

Getting more bruises than usual (caused by not having enough platelets)

Tell your doctor if you get any of these side effects from lamiduvine/zidovudine.

Are there any other side effects you haven't mentioned?

Very rarely, lamiduvine/zidovudine can cause:

A cough

Blocked or runny nose

Parts of the insides of your mouth to change colour

Heartburn

Pain in your chest

Weakened muscles

Problems with your liver or pancreas

Changes to the colour of your skin or nails

Sweating

Feelings of sleepiness

Peeing more often

Gaining more fat on your chest

Shivering or feeling cold

Losing your appetite

Changes in how things taste

Having seizures

Not being able to concentrate

Feelings of depression

Is it safe for me to be taking lamivudine/zidovudine?

Some conditions and illnesses can stop lamivudine/zidovudine from working properly.

You should tell the doctor if you have ever had problems with your liver or pancreas .

Don't take lamiduvine/zidovudine if you know you are allergic to either of the medicines or any of the other ingredients in the tablet.

Is it OK for me to take lamiduvine/zidovudine even if I'm already taking other medicine?

You should tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking, including any vitamins or herbal medicine, medicines bought without a prescription and other medicines to treat HIV.

Do I need to know anything else about lamivudine/zidovudine?

Taking two medicines together like this is called combination therapy.

Combination therapy that includes anti-viral drugs like lamivudine and zidovudine can cause changes in the shape of your body. You might get skinnier in some places (like around your arms and legs) and then get a bit fatter in other places (like around your tummy).

Some people who have combination therapy with drugs like lamivudine and get something called osteonecrosis. In osteonecrosis the blood supply to your bones becomes cut off. At first, this causes pain in your [article=medtozeds/joint]joints and can make it difficult for you to move.

Combination therapy can also cause something called lactic acidosis after a few months, although this only happens occasionally. Lactic acidosis is due to a build up of lactic acid in your blood. It makes you feel very tired, weak and sick. It also makes your arms and legs feel numb and your tummy hurt.

If you notice these symptoms tell your doctor straight away.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with HIV in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.