Combivir (Lamivudine)

Combivir Information

Combivir or also known as Lamivudine is an antiviral medicine belonging to the category of HIV medicines that hinders the growth of viruses in the body. Lamivudine belongs to the HIV drugs known as reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The primary functions of the reverse transcriptase inhibitors are in the slowing down of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) production which is the primary cause of AIDS, a viral infection that attacks the human immune system

Combivir Indications

Combivir is indicated towards the treatment of the production of Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Inhibition of the production of HIV will in turn restrain the cause of AIDS.

Combivir Warnings

When you are to take Combivir, it is adamant that you inform your doctor first if you have the following diseases:

Kidney Disorder

• Liver Disease
• Pancreatitis
• Muscle Problems
• Blood Count Problems

When you have any of the abovementioned diseases, your doctor may want to significantly lower or alter your dosage or he/she may want to stop your Combivir intake.

Combivir and Diabetes

A 15 ml dose of Combivir contains 3 grams of sucrose and a 20 ml of Combivir may contain 4 grams of sucrose as well. The concentration of sucrose in Combivir might affect patients with diabetes. Special monitoring of the Combivir intake should be observed.

Combivir and Pregnancy

Combivir belongs to the pregnancy category C, which means that Combivir has no proven record of whether it can harm the unborn. However, the treatment of AIDS during pregnancy may lessen the risk of infecting the unborn from contacting AIDS. You may discuss a reasonable treatment option with your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether Lamivudine, the main ingredient of Combivir is passed through breast milk. But as an added prevention, mother diagnosed with HIV should not breastfeed their infants.

While taking Combivir, you should avoid, HIV risk activities such as unprotected sexual activities and sharing of needles

Combivir Intake Guidelines

Intake of Combivir must be according to your doctor’s instructions. Always follow your doctor’s orders when taking any kind of medicine as well as Combivir. If the doctor’s instructions are not that clear to you, you may verify them from a nurse or a pharmacist and not with just anyone else. Always ask persons of authority regarding verifications for your medicine intake.

Each dose of Combivir must be taken with a full glass of water of about 6-8 ounces.

The usual set-up for Combivir is for it to be taken along with other medicines for the treatment of HIV. The prescribed frequency of Combivir intake is at least twice a day for a more effective treatment of HIV. Consult your doctor for the best possible instruction.

For the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, 3CT can be taken once daily according to the doctor’s prescription.

Take the prescribed dosage of Combivir regularly to experience the maximum benefit of the drug.

Talk to your doctor if you are currently taking some other HIV inhibiting drugs along with 3CT so that your doctor can advise you which medicines should you stop taking and what dosages should be altered.

Combivir Dosage

Correct dosage must be observed for patients especially for those suffering from both chronic hepatitis B and HIV. A less dose may just succeed in causing the HIV to be less treatable and immune to Lamivudine.

To measure the exact dose of Combivir, it is advised to make use of dose-measuring cups and spoons. This is to ensure that you are taking the precise recommended dose.

Combivir Overdose

The symptoms of Combivir overdose are not known so when a possible overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

Combivir Missed Dose

When a single dose is missed, going for double doses is unnecessary and prohibited; you should never take double doses of 3CT unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor.

3CT Side Effects

Liver problems and lactic acidosis including fatal incidents of them have been reported to be associated with the intake of medicines belonging to the reverse transcriptase inhibitor group and Combivir is among these medicines. It is wise to contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Unexpected Stomach Pains and Upsets
• Unusual weakness and body malaise
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplainable Weakness of Limbs
• Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Pain in the upper region of stomach

Be careful as the said symptoms may be sure signs of a progressing liver disease of lactic acidosis.

Severe cases of Pancreatitis have also been associated with Combivir intake. Seek your doctor’s advice immediately when you experience the symptoms of Pancreatitis such as

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain

Allergic reactions may also occur in patients who are sensitive to reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Seek medical attention immediately when you experience

• Hives
• Difficulty in breathing
• Constriction of Throat
• Swelling of lips, tongue, and nose or of the entire face.

Other less severe side effects may also occur to patients who are not that susceptible to the side effects of Lamivudine. Among these less serious side effects are:

• Fatigue
• Weakening or tiredness
• Mild nausea and vomiting
• Decrease in appetite
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Soreness of joint and muscles
• Fever and Chills
• Occasional rashes
• Redistribution of body fat (from limbs and face to neck, breast and trunk)

If you experience these side effects, you may still continue your Combivir intake but you must refer to your doctor about these side effects.

Combivir Drug Reactions

Taking Combivir may interact with other drugs so it is important that you inform and notify your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including herbal concoctions for your doctor to determine which medicines can be taken together with Combivir medication.

Buy Combivir

Combivir can be bought through our Online Pharmacy Escrow Service or at any Canada Pharmacy where Combivir is sold.