Combivir

Maker:
ViiV Healthcare (Combivir); Hetero Labs, Aurobindo, Teva Pharmaceuticals (Generic)

What it does:
Helps prevent replication of HIV

Traditional dosage:
One tablet, containing 150 mg of lamivudine and 300 mg zidovudine (both NRTIs), twice daily.

Drug interactions, precautions, & recommendations:
Do not take with other medicines containing lamivudine, zidovudine, or emtricitabine (Epivir, Epivir-HBV, Retrovir, Epzicom, Trizivir, Atripla, Emtriva, Truvada). Use caution if taking interferon alfa, ribavirin, doxorubicin, or ganciclovir. Tell your doctor if you’ve previously had any kidney or liver problems (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis), pancreatitis, or low red/white blood cell counts.

Side effects:
Most serious: low white and red blood cell counts, serious allergic reactions, buildup of lactic acid in blood, liver toxicity, worsening liver disease, pancreatitis, muscle disorders, inflammation, flare-up of hepatitis B after discontinuation, or changes in body fat or immune system
Other: headache, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, cough, stuffy nose, general discomfort