WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

When you start any ART, you may have temporary side effects such as headaches, high blood pressure, or a general sense of feeling ill. These side effects usually get better or disappear over time.

The most common side effects of Combivir are the same as with zidovudine (Retrovir) and lamivudine (Epivir). They include headache, upset stomach, and fatigue. See Fact Sheet 551 for more information on fatigue.

The most serious side effects of zidovudine are anemia, granulocytopenia, and myopathy. Very few people have these side effects. If they occur, your health care provider will probably have you stop using Combivir. See Fact Sheet 411 on zidovudine for more information on these side effects.

Anemia is a shortage of red blood cells caused by damage to bone marrow. Fact Sheet 552 has more information on anemia.

Granulocytopenia is a shortage of white blood cells caused by damage to bone marrow.

Myopathy is muscle pain and weakness. There is no specific treatment for myopathy.

HOW DOES COMBIVIR REACT WITH OTHER DRUGS?

Combivir can interact with other drugs or supplements you are taking. These interactions can change the amount of each drug in your bloodstream and cause an under- or overdose. New interactions are constantly being identified. Make sure that your health care provider knows about ALL drugs and supplements you are taking.

Combivir should not be taken with with stavudine (Zerit®, d4T). Also, lamivudine and emtricitabine (FTC) are very similar and should not be taken together.

Blood levels of lamivudine may be increased by bactrim or septra. See Fact Sheet 535 for more information on these drugs.

Zidovudine’s side effects may be worse if you are taking several other drugs.

Methadone may increase blood levels of zidovudine. If you take combivir and methadone, watch for zidovudine side effects.