Combivir® (lamivudine/zidovudine) tablets for HIV treatment

What Combivir Is and How It Works

Combivir® combines two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs): lamivudine 150 mg and zidovudine 300 mg. It is used with other antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents. The usual form is an oral tablet taken twice daily. Many people compare Combivir buy online options to manage costs, and some ask about Combivir buy without insurance. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Prescriptions are checked by licensed pharmacists before dispensing, and we offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices with friendly customer-service chat during posted hours.

By blocking reverse transcriptase, lamivudine and zidovudine reduce HIV replication and lower viral load. Combivir® is not a complete regimen and must be combined with additional agents such as an integrase inhibitor, NNRTI, or PI. We also work with vetted, licensed partner pharmacies abroad to source authentic brands, keeping a broad selection and fair pricing.

Dosage and Usage

The usual adult dose is one tablet (150 mg/300 mg) by mouth twice daily, with or without food. Pediatric dosing depends on weight and clinical guidance. Dose adjustments may be needed when renal function is reduced; separate components are often used if creatinine clearance is under 50 mL/min.

• Start as part of a combination regimen selected by a clinician.
• Swallow tablets whole with water; food is optional.
• If renal or hepatic issues are present, component-based dosing may be preferred.
• Avoid duplication with other lamivudine-containing products.

Missed dose:

• Take as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next dose.
• If near the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the schedule.
• Do not double dose.

Storage and travel:

• Store at 15–30°C (59–86°F) in a dry place.
• Keep in the original container with desiccant and a tight cap.
• Protect from excess heat, moisture, and direct light.
• For trips, carry extra tablets in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription.
• Use a pill organizer if helpful, and set alarms across time zones.

Benefits and Savings

Combivir® provides a convenient, fixed-dose NRTI backbone. It helps reduce viral load and supports CD4 recovery when paired with a fully active regimen. A twice-daily schedule can simplify therapy versus separate tablets. Ordering from YouDrugstore often provides 60–80% savings versus typical U.S. retail pricing. Many patients also compare total costs without insurance when budgeting long-term therapy. We can send reorder reminders, and multi-month supplies may lower the per-month cost where prescriptions allow.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects are usually manageable, especially during the first weeks of therapy. Serious reactions can occur and require medical attention.

• Common: nausea, headache, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea.
• Hematologic: anemia and neutropenia (more associated with zidovudine), macrocytosis.
• Serious: lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis (class effect of NRTIs), myopathy with prolonged use, pancreatitis, liver enzyme elevations.
• Hepatitis B: lamivudine has anti-HBV activity; severe HBV exacerbations can occur after stopping.
• Immune reconstitution syndrome may occur when starting effective therapy.
• Hypersensitivity reactions or severe rash require urgent care.

Key interactions include ribavirin (increases anemia risk with zidovudine), doxorubicin (antagonism), and other agents that suppress bone marrow. Avoid combining with other lamivudine-containing products or with stavudine plus zidovudine. Alcohol does not have a specific interaction but may worsen hepatic risk.

Onset Time

Viral load often begins to decline within 2–4 weeks after starting a fully active regimen containing Combivir®. CD4 counts typically rise over months. The degree and speed of response depend on baseline viral load, adherence, resistance profile, and the activity of the companion antiretrovirals.

Compare With Alternatives

Other NRTI backbones may offer once-daily dosing or different safety profiles. Abacavir/lamivudine can be suitable for certain patients, often after HLA-B*57:01 testing. Tenofovir-based pairs (tenofovir DF/emtricitabine or tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine) are widely used in once-daily regimens.

Complete regimens can further simplify therapy. For example, Odefsey® combines emtricitabine, rilpivirine, and tenofovir alafenamide in one tablet daily for selected patients with stable viral suppression. Long-acting options such as Apretude® Injectable Suspension (cabotegravir) are used for prevention or as part of clinic-administered regimens in specific scenarios. Choice depends on resistance, comorbidities, and adherence needs.

Combination Therapy

Combivir® supplies two NRTIs and must be paired with an additional agent or agents to form a complete regimen. Common partners include integrase inhibitors (for example, dolutegravir or bictegravir), NNRTIs (such as rilpivirine), or boosted PIs. Active hepatitis B co-infection, renal function, pregnancy plans, and potential resistance all influence regimen construction. Clinical monitoring usually includes viral load, CD4 count, complete blood count, and liver function tests.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Combivir® may be considered when a twice-daily NRTI backbone is appropriate and the individual components are suitable. Hematologic toxicity risks, renal impairment requiring dose adjustment, and co-infection with hepatitis B require careful planning. Discuss any history of anemia, neutropenia, or lactic acidosis with a clinician. Patients planning pregnancy or breast-feeding need individualized guidance.

Budgeting care can be challenging, especially without insurance. Consider multi-month fills when appropriate, and ask about our reorder reminders to maintain continuous therapy. For current promotions and bulk options, see our Combivir coupon page.

Learn more about HIV treatment and prevention in our Hiv condition hub. You can also explore practical topics such as testing in National Hiv Testing Day 2025 Get Tested Know Your Status and managing risks in Drug Interactions The Top Interactions That Should Be On Your Radar.

Authoritative Sources

For detailed prescribing data, see the FDA Prescribing Information for Combivir, the Health Canada Drug Product Database entry, and the manufacturer’s ViiV Healthcare site.

YouDrugstore makes ordering simple and discreet. Place your prescription order online; our pharmacists review it before dispensing and our team supports you by chat during posted hours. We ship to the U.S. with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping options.

Disclaimer: This content is for general information. It does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow the guidance of your prescriber and the medication insert for individualized directions.