Lamivudine

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (la mi' vyoo deen)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Lamivudine (Epivir) is used along with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) is used to treat hepatitis B infection. Lamivudine is in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It works by decreasing the amount of HIV and hepatitis B in the blood. Although lamivudine does not cure HIV, it may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other life-style changes may decrease the risk of transmitting (spreading) the HIV virus to other people.


How should this medicine be used?

Lamivudine comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. Lamivudine (Epivir) is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day). Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) is usually taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lamivudine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take lamivudine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lamivudine without talking to your doctor.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking lamivudine,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lamivudine or any other drugs.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) and vitamins.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hepatitis B, kidney disease, or pancreas disease (in children only).
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking lamivudine, call your doctor. You should not breast-feed while taking lamivudine.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Lamivudine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • chills
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • dizziness
  • trouble sleeping
  • depression
  • stuffy nose
  • cough
If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
  • rash
  • stomach pain
  • vomiting (in children)
  • nausea (in children)
  • fever
  • muscle pain
  • numbness, tingling, or burning in the fingers or toes


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). The liquid does not need to be refrigerated; however, it should be stored in a cool place. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
  • Direct Acting Antivirals
  • Antivirals for Systemic Use
  • Nucleoside and Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
  • Antiinfectives for Systemic Use
  • Nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors
  • Antivirals for treatment of HIV infections, combinations
Prescribed For the treatment of HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B (HBV).
Weight :229.256
Structure Lamivudine
Generic Drug Lamivudine prescribed For the treatment of HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B (HBV).
Formula

C8H11N3O3S

Lamivudine has 31 Brands listed


Haptavir (100 mg)Hepavud (100 mg)
Hepitec (100 mg)Hepravir (100 mg)
Heptavir (100 mg)Heptavir (150 mg)
Hivir (100 mg)Hivir (150 mg)
Ladiwin (150 mg)Lamda (150 mg)
Lami (100 mg)Lami (150 mg)
Lamidac (100 mg)Lamidac (100 mg) (Zydus Alidac)
Lamivir (100 mg)Lamivir (100 ml)
Lamivir (150 mg)Lamivir HBV (100 mg)
Lamivox (100 mg)Lamivox (150 mg)
Lamuvid (100 mg)Lamuvid (150 mg)
Lavir (100 ml)Lavir (150 mg)
Lmivir HBV (100 mg)Retrolam (150 mg)
Shanvudin (100 mg)Shanvudin (150 mg)
Viramid (100 mg)Virolam (100 mg)
Virolam (150 mg)

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