Medicines
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494
ART Combinations for women with HIV (not for children)
Combination 1
Medicines
zidovudine (AZT)
lamivudine (3TC)
nevirapine (NVP)
Combination 2
Medicines
tenofovir (TDF)
lamivudine (3TC)
nevirapine (NVP)
Combination 3
Medicines
zidovudine (AZT)
lamivudine (3TC)
efavirenz (EFV)
Combination 4
Medicines
tenofovir (TDF)
lamivudine (3TC)
efavirenz (EFV)
Dose Warnings and side effects
250 to 300 mg
2 times a day
Anemia
Low white blood count
150 mg 2 times a day,
or 300 mg once a day
200 mg once a day for Skin rash
14 days, then 200 mg Liver problems
2 times a day
Advantages of combination
• M ost widely used
and available
• S afe for pregnant
women
Dose
300 mg once a day
150 mg 2 times a day,
or 300 mg once a day
200 mg once a day for
14 days, then 200 mg
2 times a day
Warnings and side effects
Can cause kidney problems
For use by women over
18 years old
Skin rash
Liver problems
Advantages of combination
• Fewer side effects
• S afe for pregnant
women
• Combination for
women with HIV
and hepatitis B
Dose
250 to 300 mg
2 times a day
150 mg 2 times a day,
or 300 mg once a day
600 mg once a day
Warnings and side effects
Anemia
Low white blood count
Dizziness, confusion,
mood changes
Should not be taken in first
3 months of pregnancy; it
can cause birth defects
Advantages of combination
• C ombination if on
rifampicin for TB
Dose
300 mg once a day
150 mg 2 times a day,
or 300 mg once a day
600 mg once a day
Warnings and side effects
Can cause kidney problems
For use by women over
18 years old
Dizziness, confusion, mood
changes
Should not be taken in first
3 months of pregnancy; it
can cause birth defects
Advantages of combination
• M ay be available as
one pill, taken once
daily
• C ombination if on
rifampicin for TB
• C ombination for
women with HIV
and hepatitis B
WARNING! Many people still take stavudine (d4T) instead of zidovudine in
Combinations 1 and 3. However, stavudine can cause serious side effects with
long-term use. Most HIV treatment programs are replacing stavudine with other,
safer medicines. If you use stavudine, take the lower dose of 30 mg twice daily.
A Book for Midwives (2010)