Combivir Side Effects (Cont.)

Serious Combivir Side Effects

Some side effects with Combivir, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Anemia
  • Frequent infections, which may be a sign of low neutrophil levels in the blood (known medically as neutropenia)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising, which may be a sign of low blood platelets (known as thrombocytopenia)
  • Symptoms of lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood), such as:
     
    • Feeling tired or weak
    • Muscle pain
    • Trouble breathing
    • Stomach pain
    • Feeling cold
    • Cold or blue hands and feet
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • A slow or irregular heartbeat
    • Persistent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • An enlarged or tender liver
    • Weight loss
 
  • Signs of liver problems, such as:
     
    • Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
    • Dark urine
    • Liver enlargement or pain
 
  • Changes in the distribution of fat on your body (such as a "buffalo hump")
  • Depression (see Combivir and Depression)
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
     
    • Unexplained rash
    • Hives
    • Itching
    • Unexplained swelling
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
 

Final Thoughts on Combivir Side Effects

You may experience some or none of the Combivir side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell whether any particular side effect (such as nausea) is actually caused by Combivir or other factors. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug or if something "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of Combivir, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;