Guides

Combivir (AZT + 3TC)

26 August 2012. Related: ARVs, Nukes.

Combivir

  • Pronounced: KOM-bee-veer
  • Combivir is the European trade name for a fixed dose combination of AZT and 3TC.
  • Combivir is no longer recommended as preferred choice for first therapy in the UK or the USA for people starting treatment.
  • Standard adult dose: one tablet, twice-daily.
  • Take with or without food.
  • Side effects: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anaemia (low red blood cells), fat loss, muscle pain and weakness. Darkening of skin and nails in some people. Rarely, hair loss.
  • Other notes: do not use with d4T or FTC. Methadone may increase the amount of AZT in your body. If you take AZT and methadone, watch for side effects.
  • See individual information for AZT and 3TC.

Further information

The European patient information and detailed Product Information for Combivir are available from this link on the European Medicines Agency (EMA) website.

The Patient Information is a simplified summary: what the drug is, why it is used, results from studies and cautions including side effects.

The Product Information is a detailed technical summary that you can access as a PDF file by clicking the ‘Product Information’ tab. It describes more precisely how the drug works and how it is processed by your body. This includes, for example, reported food interaction studies in terms of calories or fat content. It includes more details of the study results and a full list of side effects and drug interactions.