How does Lamivudine-Zidovudine (Generic Combivir) treat?
Combivir contains two active ingredients, zidovudine and lamivudine. These are both medicines called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Combivir is used in the treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by infection with HIV. This virus invades cells of the immune system, particularly the white blood cells known as CD4 T-helper lymphocytes. These cells normally work to activate other cells in the immune system to fight infection. Since HIV kills CD4 T-helper cells, over time the body becomes less able to fight the virus or subsequent infections. Once the virus is inside the CD4 T-cell it multiplies. Part of the process of viral multiplication involves the conversion of the virus genetic material, RNA, into DNA. This is achieved by a compound essential to the virus, called reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase is a compound known as an enzyme. Combivir works by blocking the action of this enzyme, there
