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If you are starting an “HIV cocktail” for the first time, that means that you are taking more than one HIV drug. COMBIVIR can fit into your plan. COMBIVIR can be taken with most other HIV drugs with no problem. COMBIVIR, in one pill, gives you two drugs. You take it only twice a day, morning and night. You may take COMBIVIR with or without food.
You and your doctor will talk about your health and your lifestyle. You will work out a pill schedule that’s right for you. COMBIVIR may well be part of your plan.
No matter what your doctor prescribes, success depends on you. Plan to take all your pills as directed, every day.
Who should NOT take COMBIVIR?
You should NOT take COMBIVIR if you have had a serious allergic reaction to:
- lamivudine (also known as EPIVIR® or 3TC)
-or-
- zidovudine (also known as RETROVIR® or ZDV)
Do NOT take COMBIVIR at the same time as EPIVIR, RETROVIR, or other pills that contain lamivudine and zidovudine.
Children under 12 should probably not take COMBIVIR. Individual dosing with EPIVIR plus RETROVIR may be better.
Anyone who requires special doses due to drug side effects or poor kidney function should probably not take COMBIVIR. Individual dosing with EPIVIR plus RETROVIR may be better.
If you are 65 or older, see your doctor about the health of your liver, kidneys, and heart. Make sure your doctor knows all your illnesses and all the drugs you take. The doctor may need to change the dose of COMBIVIR.
If you are breastfeeding, talk with your nurse or doctor. Mothers infected with HIV should not breastfeed. HIV is present in breast milk. You could infect your baby.
Ask your doctor if COMBIVIR is right for you.
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