Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) Coupons, Discounts & Cost
Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) is a combined antiviral drug that is active against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). One way to save money on the Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) retail cost regardless of income and insurance status is to use Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) coupons or discount cards from RXCoupons. Use our Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) coupons at your online pharmacy and receive up to 75% off the sale price each time you refill your prescription.
Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) pharmacologic effect
Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) is a combined antiviral drug that is active against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Combivir is used for the treatment of HIV infection in children (weighing at least 14 kg) and adults.
Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) contraindications
Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) should not be used in patients with severe anemia, severe neutropenia, in children weighing less than 14 kg. It is not used in case of hypersensitivity to zidovudine, lamivudine, or any of the drug’s components.
Zidovudine reduces HIV transmission from mother to child. Since lamivudine and zidovudine enter the breast milk, HIV-infected women who are treated with Combivir should stop breastfeeding. Elderly patients should be treated very carefully (taking into account age-related changes, such as renal dysfunction).
Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) dosage and administration
Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) should be prescribed by professionals with experience in the treatment of HIV-infected patients.
Combivir tablets are taken whole, regardless of the meal. Patients who cannot swallow the tablet may crush the pill or add a small amount of liquid or food.
The recommended dosing regimen for adults and children depending on body weight: ≥30 kg - 1 tablet 2 times a day; 21-30 kg - 1/2 tab. in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening; 14-21 kg - 1/2 tab. 2 times a day.
Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) side effects
Combivir can cause side effects specific to each of these components (zidovudine and lamivudine) separately.
Side effects of lamivudine: Blood and lymphatic system: rarely - anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia; very rarely - pure red cell aplasia. Metabolism: often - hyperlactatemia; rarely - lactic acidosis. Nervous system: often - headache; very rarely - paresthesia, peripheral neuropathy. Gastrointestinal tract: often - epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; rarely - pancreatitis. Skin disorders: often - alopecia, rash. Musculoskeletal disorders: often - muscle disorders, arthralgia; rarely - rhabdomyolysis. General reactions: often - fatigue, fever.
Side effects of zidovudine: Blood and lymphatic system: often - leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia; rarely - pancytopenia (with bone marrow hypoplasia) and thrombocytopenia, pure red cell aplasia; very rarely - aplastic anemia. Metabolism: often - hyperlactatemia; rarely - anorexia, lactic acidosis. Nervous system: very often - headache; often - dizziness; rarely - paresthesia, drowsiness, insomnia, seizures, anxiety, depression. Cardiovascular system: rarely - cardiomyopathy. Respiratory system: rarely - shortness of breath, cough. Gastrointestinal tract: very often - nausea; often - abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea; rarely - flatulence, pigmentation of the mucosa of the mouth, dyspepsia, pancreatitis. Hepatobiliary system: rarely - liver disease. Kidneys and urinary tract: rarely - frequent urination. Skin disorders: rarely - itching, rash, pigmentation of the skin and nails, hives, sweating. Musculoskeletal disorders: often - myalgia; rarely - myopathy. Reproductive system and mammary glands: rarely - gynecomastia. General reactions: rarely - fatigue, fever; rarely - chest pain, chills, flu-like symptoms.
What about Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) special instructions?
Since Combivir or any other antiretroviral drugs may cause the development of opportunistic infections and other complications of HIV infection, patients should be under regular medical supervision.
There are no data on the effect of zidovudine and lamivudine on female fertility.
Like other antiretroviral agents, Combivir does not prevent the risk of HIV transmission through sexual contact.
Combivir (laminuvide/zidovudine) interactions
Interactions with lamivudine:
Co-trimoxazole may increase the concentrations of lamivudine (at therapeutic doses). Combivir should be used with caution with zalcitabine.
Interactions with zidovudine:
Clarithromycin reduces the absorption of zidovudine (the interval between doses of clarithromycin and zidovudine should be at least 2 hours).
Patients should monitor the levels of phenytoin (in combination therapy with Combivir).
Aspirin, morphine, methadone, codeine, ketoprofen, oxazepam, lorazepam, naproxen, cimetidine, clofibrate may disrupt the metabolism of zidovudine.
Potentially nephrotoxic or myelosuppressive drugs (pentamidine, pyrimethamine, co-trimoxazole, ganciclovir, ribavirin, doxorubicin) can increase the risk of side effects of zidovudine.