Lamivudine (By mouth)
la-MIV-ue-deen
Treats hepatitis B and HIV infection. This medicine will not cure hepatitis B, HIV, or AIDS, but it may help slow the progress of the disease.
Drug classes
Antiretroviral Agent, Antiviral (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Lamivudine is used in combination with other medicines for the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Lamivudine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. It helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of serious health problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease from occurring. Lamivudine will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have other problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
Lamivudine is also used to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, lamivudine is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection due to occupational exposure (possible prevention of)
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Epivir® and Epivir-HBV® both contain the same medicine, but Epivir® has more medicine in each tablet or dose of oral liquid. Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. If you have HIV or AIDS, you need to use Epivir®. If you have hepatitis B but you do not have HIV or AIDS, you can use Epivir-HBV®.
Your doctor may want to test you for HIV before you start using this medicine and during your treatment. Your medicine may need to be changed based on these test results.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with zalcitabine, medicines containing emtricitabine, or other combination medicines that contain lamivudine.
Some medicines can affect how lamivudine works. Tell your doctor if you are using interferon alfa or ribavirin.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to lamivudine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or a history of pancreas problems.
Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Lactic acidosis Severe liver problems Worsening of hepatitis B infection when treatment is stopped Pancreatitis Changes in body fatYour immune system may get stronger when you start taking this medicine. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV or hepatitis B to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV or hepatitis B. Do not share needles or items that could have blood or body fluids on them.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast breathing, trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, severe weakness, tiredness, or confusion
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
Diarrhea, nausea
Headache or dizziness
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Tiredness or trouble sleeping
Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
3tc, Epivir, Epivir A/F, Epivir HBV, Heptovir
There may be other brand names for this medicine.