Combivir Side Effects
What should I watch for?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.
HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.
If you have hepatitis B, talk to your doctor if you plan to stop or change your therapy. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse after you stop this medicine.
Do not treat severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting with over-the-counter medicines. Contact your doctor.
This medicine can cause blood problems. You may have slow healing and a higher risk of infection while on this medicine. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Be careful not to damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.
Common and Rare Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
muscle tenderness and weakness
severe stomach pain
skin rash
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
chest discomfort or pain
chills
convulsions
dark urine
decreased appetite
difficulty with breathing
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
faintness
fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
fast, shallow breathing
feeling of fullness
general feeling of discomfort
general tiredness and weakness
itching, puffiness, or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
jerking of all extremities
joint or muscle pain
light-colored stools
loss of bladder control
muscle pain, spasms, stiffness, or cramping
red skin lesions often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
redness, soreness, or itching skin
sensation of pins and needles
sleepiness
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips or tongue
sores, welting or blisters
stabbing pain
sudden loss of consciousness
swelling of the feet or lower legs
tingling, burning, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
tightness in the chest
troubled with breathing
unsteadiness or awkwardness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Headache
Incidence not known
Blurred vision
body fat redistribution or accumulation
darkening of the skin and mucous membranes
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
sweating
swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
thinning of the hair
troubled breathing, unexplained
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
