Zidovudine

Zidovudine is available alone and in fixed-dose combinations with lamivudine as Combivir and with lamivudine and abacavir as Trizivir. It can be given in combination with any other NRTI except for stavudine, which causes antagonism. Zidovudine plus lamivudine with or without a protease inhibitor has been recommended for post-expo- sure prophylaxis (PEP) against HIV infection after needlestick exposures; most Medical Letter consult- ants would include a protease inhibitor in the PEP regimen. This combina- tion has also been used after sexual exposure, although data are limited.