COMBIVIR is used, alone or with other antiretrovirals, to slow down the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other related illnesses (e.g. AIDS-related Complex or ARC).
COMBIVIR does not cure AIDS or HIV infection, but slows production of human immunodeficiency virus. In this way it stops ongoing damage to the body's immune system, which fights infection.
COMBIVIR does not reduce your risk of passing HIV infection to others. You will still be able to pass on the HIV virus by sexual activity or by passing on blood or bodily secretions which carry the HIV virus. You should continue to take all appropriate precautions.
It's important to know that serious side effects can occur with COMBIVIR, such as a decrease in red and white blood cells and muscle damage. A buildup of lactic acid and an enlarged liver, including fatal cases, have been reported rarely with some HIV drugs, including nucleoside analogues.
For HIV-infected individuals, periodic blood tests are recommended. If certain changes occur in your laboratory results while you are taking COMBIVIR, particularly if you become anemic or if your white blood cell count falls too low, your medication may need to be adjusted; your doctor may prescribe EPIVIR plus RETROVIR separately in place of COMBIVIR.

Why is this drug prescribed?

Combivir tablets contain two active ingredients, zidovudine and lamivudine. These are both drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. They are used in the treatment of HIV infection. AIDS is caused by infection with HIV. This virus invades cells of the immune system, particularly the white blood cells known as CD4 T-helper lymphocytes. These cells normally work to activate other cells in the immune system to fight infection. Since HIV kills CD4 T-helper cells, over time the body becomes less able to fight the virus or subsequent infections. Once the virus is inside the CD4 T-cell it multiplies. Part of the process of viral multiplication involves the conversion of the virus genetic material, RNA, into DNA. This is achieved by a compound essential to the virus, called reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase is a compound known as an enzyme. Zidovudine and lamivudine work by blocking the action of this enzyme, thereby interfering with the conversion of viral RNA into DNA. This stops the virus from multiplying. There is no cure for HIV, but zidovudine and lamivudine are two of a number of drugs that lower the amount of virus in the body and slow the progression of the disease from HIV to AIDS. A combination of several anti-HIV drugs is required to fight the infection because the virus can become resistant to one agent very quickly. Zidovudine and lamivudine are used together to help prevent resistance occurring. This combination drug reduces the number of tablets to be taken and therefore simplifies treatment.

Treatments

* HIV infection.

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Headache * Difficulty in sleeping * Fatigue * Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain * Cough * Hair loss * Rash or itching * Pain in the muscles and joints * Weakness or loss of strength * Fever * General feeling of being unwell * Dizziness * Decrease in the number of a type of white blood cell in the blood * Low red blood cell count * Pins and needles * Anxiety and depression * Inflammation of the pancreas * Elevated levels of lactic acid in the blood * Liver disorders