Ant Retroviral drugs for paediatric use
Combivir ®
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The doctor has prescribed Combivir® for your child. It must not be shared with anyone else.
Combivir® is a tablet containing a combination of 2 drugs- 300mgs of Zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir) and 150mgs of Lamivudine (3TC, Epivir).
Dosage:
- The amount to be given will be written on the label.
- The dose of Combivir® is based on your child’s weight so it is important your child is weighed each time they come to clinic.
- Combivir® is given TWICE a day.
- As it is very important that the amount of Combivir® in the blood remains steady, try to give the doses as close to every 12 hours as you can. The easiest way is to give a dose first thing in the morning and a dose at night.
Food:
- You can give Combivir® before, with or after food. Sometimes eating just before a dose can help stop your child feeling sick with the medicine.
If you miss a dose:
- If you forget to give a dose, give it as soon as you remember- as long as it is less than 6 hours after the usual dose time.
- If it is more than 6 hours, or you miss a dose completely, do not double the next dose.
- Missing doses regularly can reduce the amount of Combivir® in the blood. This means it will eventually not work against the drug.
- If your child vomits a large amount soon after giving a dose of Combivir®, give a replacement dose as soon as your child feels able to take it, as long as it is within 2 hours of the usual dose time.
Storage:
- All medicines should be stored out of reach of children.
- Combivir® tablets must be stored at room temperature (not in the fridge).
Side effects:
In general, children do not suffer from side effects as much as adults.
Occasionally some people taking Combivir® may get: nausea or vomiting; diarrhoea; stomach pains; headaches; tiredness.
If your child gets any of these or complains of anything unusual, do not stop giving the Combivir® but ring the Family Clinic and ask their advice.
Interactions with other drugs:
Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before giving other medicines (including those bought at chemists and health food shops),