Lamivudine and Zidovudine Information
Pronunciation
la MI vyoo deen & zye DOE vyoo deen
What is this drug used for?
• It is used to treat HIV infection.
Frequently reported side effects of this drug
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Lack of appetite
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal cramps
• Joint pain
• Trouble sleeping
Other side effects of this drug: Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of:
• Infection
• Lactic acidosis like fast breathing, fast heartbeat, abnormal heartbeat, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, severe loss of strength and energy, severe dizziness, feeling cold, or muscle pain or cramps
• Liver problems like dark urine, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin
• Pancreatitis like severe abdominal pain, severe back pain, severe nausea, or vomiting
• Depression
• Burning or numbness feeling
• Severe loss of strength and energy
• Muscle pain
• Muscle weakness
• Change in body fat
• Signs of a significant reaction like wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Medication Safety Issues
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:
Combivir may be confused with Combivent, Epivir
High alert medication:
This medication is in a class the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes among its list of drug classes that have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.
Other safety concerns:
AZT is an error-prone abbreviation (mistaken as azaTHIOprine, aztreonam)
Storage and Stability
Store between 2°C and 30°C (36°F and 86°F).
Adverse Reactions
See individual agents.
