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Combivir

Combivir Side Effects

Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVPMichelle Nguyen, PharmD
Reviewed by Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP, Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 1, 2021

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache (35%)
  • Nausea (33%)
  • Fatigue/tiredness (27%)
  • Runny nose and congestion (20%)
  • Cough (18%)
  • Diarrhea (18%)
  • Nausea and vomiting (13%)
  • Muscle and nerve pain (12%)
  • Insomnia/difficulty sleeping (11%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Fever or chills
  • Dizziness
  • Anorexia or low appetite
  • Stomach pain and cramps
  • Change in mood
  • Skin rash
  • Joint pain

Source: FDA

The following Combivir side effects have also been reported

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:

More common

Chills

fever

pale skin

sore throat

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs

muscle tenderness and weakness

nausea

severe stomach pain

skin rash

vomiting

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

canker sores

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

hives or welts, itching

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

Less common

Coughing

decreased appetite

diarrhea

dizziness

mild stomach pain

trouble sleeping

Incidence not known

Blurred vision

body fat redistribution or accumulation

darkening of the skin and mucous membranes

dry mouth

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

hair loss

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.

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