Combivir® Tablets for HIV Treatment

What Combivir® Is and How It Works

Combivir is a fixed-dose tablet that combines lamivudine (3TC) and zidovudine (AZT). Both are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They block HIV reverse transcriptase and help reduce viral replication. Combivir is used with other antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Many shoppers compare the Combivir price at our online pharmacy, including those without insurance, to manage ongoing therapy costs. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

We also partner with vetted international pharmacies to source authentic brands and a broad selection at value-focused prices. Combivir tablets are taken by mouth. The most common adult regimen is one tablet twice daily as part of a combination regimen. Your prescriber selects the third agent, such as an integrase inhibitor or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, based on your history, resistance profile, and tolerability.

Each tablet contains lamivudine 150 mg and zidovudine 300 mg. The product is generally used in adults and adolescents weighing at least 30 kg. It is not a stand‑alone treatment. Regular lab monitoring supports safety and effectiveness over time.

Dosage and Usage

• Standard adult dose: one tablet by mouth twice daily, with or without food.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush unless a clinician confirms it is appropriate.
• If renal function is reduced (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min), the fixed-dose tablet may not be suitable; separate components may be required.
• If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double doses.
• Take at the same times each day to support adherence and maintain drug levels.
• Avoid combining with stavudine due to antagonism with zidovudine.
• Do not use with dofetilide due to serious interaction risk.
• Ribavirin with zidovudine increases anemia risk; discuss alternatives for hepatitis C therapy if relevant.

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Keep in the original, tightly closed container to protect from moisture.
• Travel: pack enough tablets plus a few extra days’ supply.
• Use a carry‑on bag; avoid leaving tablets in a hot car.
• Keep away from children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Combivir provides two NRTIs in one tablet. That helps simplify the backbone of many regimens. The medicine has well-established clinical data and a known safety profile. It is widely used with a third antiretroviral for initial therapy or as part of a tailored regimen. Many patients compare Combivir cost options to manage long-term treatment budgets.

Ordering through YouDrugstore can offer 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. These savings can be helpful if you are paying out of pocket or buying Combivir without insurance. You can also lower the per‑month cost with multi‑month supplies when appropriate. We can send friendly reorder reminders before your next fill is due.

For current promotions, visit our offers page; a Combivir coupon may appear when available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
• Fatigue or malaise.
• Anemia or neutropenia, related to zidovudine’s bone marrow suppression.
• Insomnia or dizziness.
• Muscle aches.
• Elevated liver enzymes.
• Changes in body fat distribution over time (lipoatrophy) with zidovudine.

Serious but less common risks include lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, myopathy with prolonged use, and severe anemia or neutropenia. Lamivudine can cause acute exacerbations of hepatitis B if the drug is stopped in patients with HBV coinfection; monitor hepatic function. Hypersensitivity reactions are possible. Immune reconstitution syndrome may occur when starting effective combination therapy.

Onset Time

Viral load often starts to fall within 2–4 weeks of consistent therapy, and many patients see meaningful reductions by 8–12 weeks. CD4 counts may begin to rise over several months. The timeline depends on baseline viral load, the third agent used with Combivir, adherence, and individual response. Continue follow‑up lab testing to confirm suppression and adjust the regimen if needed.

Compare With Alternatives

Many modern regimens use tenofovir and emtricitabine as the NRTI backbone, such as Truvada (TDF/FTC) or Descovy (TAF/FTC). These options pair with an integrase inhibitor and are once daily. Combivir remains a valid option in specific clinical situations or when tenofovir is not appropriate.

Single‑tablet regimens that combine a full backbone and a third agent can further simplify dosing. For example, Odefsey® (emtricitabine, rilpivirine, tenofovir alafenamide) is once daily for select patients. If an NNRTI is chosen as the third drug with a two‑tablet backbone like Combivir, Edurant® (rilpivirine) may be considered, depending on viral load and resistance profile.

Your clinician will weigh efficacy, safety, resistance, comorbidities, and pill burden when comparing alternatives. Prior treatment history and drug–drug interactions guide the final regimen.

Combination Therapy

• With an integrase inhibitor such as dolutegravir or raltegravir as the third agent.
• With an NNRTI such as efavirenz or rilpivirine in qualified patients.
• With a boosted protease inhibitor (e.g., atazanavir/ritonavir or darunavir/ritonavir) when appropriate.
• Monitor hemoglobin and neutrophil counts and consider adjustments if anemia or neutropenia develop.
• Avoid overlapping marrow suppression and address nutritional deficiencies that can worsen cytopenias.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Combivir may be suitable for adults and adolescents who need an NRTI backbone that does not include tenofovir or abacavir. It can also serve in certain switch scenarios. It is not for monotherapy and should be guided by resistance testing and clinical judgment.

It may not be appropriate for people with significant baseline anemia or neutropenia. The fixed-dose tablet is not recommended when creatinine clearance is below 50 mL/min; separate lamivudine and zidovudine dosing may be required. Do not combine with dofetilide. If you have chronic hepatitis B, your clinician will monitor closely during and after lamivudine-containing therapy.

To reduce costs, consider a 90‑day supply when your prescription allows, which can lower the monthly average. Watch for seasonal promotions. Our team can send reorder reminders so you do not run out. Many customers ask about generic Combivir price; generic lamivudine/zidovudine tablets may offer further savings depending on availability.

If you are paying cash, you can still access Canadian pricing. Buying Combivir for uninsured patients can be more affordable when ordered through a licensed Canadian pharmacy with transparent pricing.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Combivir

ViiV Healthcare HIV Medicines Overview

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Order Combivir® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is for educational purposes and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the medication guide that comes with your prescription.