lamivudine / zidovudine

Combivir can cause bone marrow problems, which can lead to anemia and affect your immune system. These effects are more serious when people already have some type of low blood count or advanced HIV. Your provider will draw blood tests regularly to check your blood count. If your numbers become too low, they may lower your dose or recommend switching to a different HIV ARV.

Taking Combivir for a long time can lead to muscle pain or weakness. Talk to your provider right away if you have unexplained fatigue and muscle pain or weakness all over your body.

Although rare, NRTIs including Combivir can cause a life-threatening liver problem called lactic acidosis with hepatic steatosis. Most of the cases have been in women. Symptoms include appetite loss, stomach pain, muscle pain, fast and shallow breathing, extreme tiredness, and sudden weakness. Stop taking Combivir and go to the emergency room right away if this happens.

People who have stopped taking Combivir have had severe worsening of their hepatitis B. Don't stop taking Combivir unless instructed by your healthcare provider. If you are instructed to stop the medication, or switch to a different antiviral medication, make sure you get your labs drawn regularly. This is how your provider will monitor your liver and HBV.

Some children taking Combivir have experienced a condition called pancreatitis. This is when your pancreas becomes inflamed. It's more common in children who have used other NRTIs in the past, had pancreatitis in the past, or have a high risk of getting pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is treatable, but treatment usually requires hospitalization. Talk to your healthcare provider if your child suddenly has severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

HIV attacks your immune system. Over time, if the virus isn't treated your body may become defenseless against bacterial and fungal infection. Your HIV medications are very good at killing the virus, and when the number of viruses goes down, your immune system gets started making more cells. Once your immune system gets better, it will start to fight off any infections you might have, which can lead to a lot of inflammation. Even though it's a good thing that your immune system is getting better, too much inflammation can be bad. Your healthcare provider might check for underlying infections (sometimes called opportunistic infections) before starting Combivir especially if it is your first time taking HIV medications. Call your provider if you experience fever, difficulty breathing, or sudden changes to your health after starting Combivir.