A recent study published on the Web site PloS One implicates Combivir (zidovudine/lamivudine) in “limb fat loss,” a common side effect of treatment for HIV infection. In a clinical trial conducted by researchers in the Netherlands, Combivir-containing therapy was associated with localized loss of fat tissue and build up of internal fat tissue in the stomach. These findings support using alternatives to Combivir as preferred components of antiretroviral treatment.

Combivir (zidovudine/lamivudine) is a combination therapy that includes zidovudine (Retrovir) and Epivir (lamivudine). Both zidovudine and Epivir are nucleoside reverse transcriptase…