Combivir: Advanced Dual Therapy for Effective HIV Management
Combivir
| Product dosage: 150mg+300mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | 3.35 $ | 100.62 $ (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | 2.79 $ | 201.24 $ 167.31 $ (17%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | 2.56 $ | 301.86 $ 230.49 $ (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | 2.22 $ | 402.48 $ 266.76 $ (34%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | 2.00 $ | 603.72 $ 360.36 $ (40%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | 1.83 $ | 905.58 $ 494.91 $ (45%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | 1.67 $
Best per pill | 1207.44 $ 600.21 $ (50%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Combivir is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication, meticulously formulated for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. It integrates two potent nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) into a single tablet, streamlining treatment regimens and enhancing adherence. This combination is a cornerstone in both initial therapy and ongoing management, working to suppress viral replication, increase CD4 cell counts, and slow disease progression. Its development represents a significant advancement in reducing pill burden while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Features
- Contains a fixed-dose combination of 300 mg lamivudine and 150 mg zidovudine.
- Presented as film-coated tablets for oral administration.
- Formulated for twice-daily dosing, supporting regimen simplicity.
- Manufactured under strict quality control standards ensuring consistency and purity.
- Available by prescription only, following confirmed HIV diagnosis.
Benefits
- Dual-action efficacy: Simultaneously targets two key stages of the HIV replication cycle for robust viral suppression.
- Improved treatment adherence: Reduced pill count compared to separate component dosing minimizes missed doses.
- Slows disease progression: Effective viral load reduction helps maintain immune function and delay advancement to AIDS.
- Convenient dosing schedule: Twice-daily administration supports integration into daily routine without complex timing.
- Well-established safety profile: Decades of clinical use and post-marketing surveillance provide extensive efficacy and tolerability data.
Common use
Combivir is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 30 kg. It is commonly used as part of initial highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens and may be continued in maintenance phases based on treatment response and resistance testing. Healthcare providers may also consider it for switch strategies in virologically suppressed patients seeking regimen simplification.
Dosage and direction
The recommended dosage for adults and adolescents (weighing at least 30 kg) is one tablet taken orally twice daily. It can be taken with or without food. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken. Dosage adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment; consultation with a healthcare provider for creatinine clearance-based dosing is essential.
Precautions
- Hematologic monitoring: Regular blood tests are necessary due to risk of anemia, neutropenia, or leukopenia.
- Lactic acidosis: Patients should be monitored for symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
- Hepatic steatosis: Use with caution in patients with risk factors for liver disease; periodic liver function tests are advised.
- Exacerbation of hepatitis B: In patients co-infected with HBV, close monitoring is required during and after treatment discontinuation.
- Lipoatrophy: Long-term use may be associated with loss of subcutaneous fat; regular physical assessments are recommended.
Contraindications
Combivir is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to lamivudine, zidovudine, or any component of the formulation. It should not be administered to individuals with significantly reduced bone marrow function, evidenced by hemoglobin levels below 7.5 g/dL or neutrophil counts below 0.75 x 10^9/L. Concomitant use with stavudine is contraindicated due to antagonistic effects. It is also contraindicated in patients with end-stage renal disease not on dialysis unless dose-adjusted under specialist supervision.
Possible side effects
Common side effects may include headache, nausea, malaise, fatigue, and insomnia. Less frequently, patients may experience neutropenia, anemia, myopathy, or peripheral neuropathy. Rare but serious adverse reactions can include lactic acidosis with hepatic steatosis, severe hepatomegaly, hypersensitivity reactions, and immune reconstitution syndrome. Pancreatitis and hepatic decompensation have been reported, particularly in advanced HIV disease or with concomitant conditions.
Drug interaction
Combivir may interact with drugs that inhibit or induce glucuronidation, such as valproic acid, potentially increasing zidovudine levels. Concurrent use with other myelosuppressive agents (e.g., ganciclovir, interferon) may exacerbate hematologic toxicity. Ribavirin and other nucleoside analogues should be co-administered with caution due to risk of additive mitochondrial toxicity. Drugs like probenecid may inhibit renal excretion of lamivudine, necessitating monitoring.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is within 4 hours of the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Consistent adherence is critical to maintain viral suppression and prevent resistance development.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and hematologic disturbances such as anemia or neutropenia. There is no specific antidote; management involves supportive care and monitoring of hematologic parameters. Hemodialysis may enhance elimination of lamivudine but has limited effect on zidovudine removal. Immediate medical attention is required, and the poison control center should be contacted.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. Do not store in bathrooms or damp areas. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your health status and current medications. Do not initiate, adjust, or discontinue any medication without medical supervision.
Reviews
Clinical studies and long-term observational data have consistently demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of Combivir as part of combination antiretroviral therapy. Patients and providers often report high satisfaction due to regimen simplicity and reliable viral suppression. Some note the convenience of reduced pill burden, though a minority mention manageable side effects such as transient nausea or fatigue. Overall, it remains a trusted option in HIV management protocols.