Lamivudine (Epivir)

What is Lamivudine (Epivir)?

Lamivudine (Epivir) is an effective drug that is used with other HIV medicines to control HIV infection.

It aids in reducing amount of HIV in body so that your immune system is able to work in a better way.

This further lowers your risk of getting HIV complications and improves your quality of life.

Lamivudine belongs to a class of medicines known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI).

Remember this drug will not work to cure HIV infection but will only treat it.

To reduce your risk of spreading HIV disease to another person, you must continue taking all your HIV medicines as directed by your doctor.

Make sure to use an effective barrier method during sexual intercourse as suggested by your doctor.

Never share your personal items like toothbrushes, needles, and razors which might have contact with blood or other body fluids.

Also, you can save on Lamivudine costs by ordering it from a licensed online pharmacy.

To buy Epivir HBV 100 mg tablets from a licensed drugstore, it is necessary to get a prescription from a doctor.

Lamivudine uses

Doctors prescribe this medicine for:

• Treatment of HIV infection

How does Lamivudine work?

Lamivudine (Epivir) belongs to a  class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).

It restricts an enzyme (protein) that is found in HIV and HBV known as reverse transcriptase which aid the virus to make copies of itself.

By blocking reverse transcriptase, Lamivudine helps to prevent HIV and HBV from making copies and spreading.

How to take Lamivudine?

Before starting your treatment with Lamivudine, it is necessary to read patient information leaflet carefully.

If there is any confusion about the medication or its dosage then you can discuss it with doctor once.

It is important to know that Epivir (for treating HIV) should not be taken together with Epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B).

You can take this medicine with or without food as directed by a doctor. Without your doctor's consent, never raise the dosage.

Swallow a tablet as a whole with a glass of plain water without crushing, chewing, or breaking it.

Lamivudine doses in children are based on their weight. In case, your child gains or loses weight then dose will be adjusted.

Children who weigh more than 14 kilograms must use tablet form of this medication only.

You might be required to break a tablet in half when giving this drug to a child for treating HIV.

In case, your child finds trouble swallowing the tablet then discuss it with doctor once.

Do not increase your dose, take this drug more often than directed, or stop taking it even for a short time unless suggested by doctor to do so.

Skipping or changing your dosage without doctor approval might cause amount of virus to increase, worsen side effects, or make infection difficult to treat.

For best effect, this medicine should be taken at evenly spaced times always. To help you remember, take Lamivudine at same time each day.

• Missed dose

In the event that you forget to take a dose, do so as quickly as possible. But if it’s time for next dosage then skip missed one.

Continue taking your next dose at regular time. never double the dose just catch up on missed one.

• Overdose

If you have overdosed and experience serious symptoms like trouble breathing or passing out then immediately contact your doctor.

Precautions and warnings for Lamivudine (Epivir)

Do not take Epivir, if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies.

You may experience allergic responses to certain inactive chemicals in this medication.

Before starting your treatment, let doctor know about your medical history, especially of:

• Liver problems like cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney disorders
• Alcohol use

Patients need to strictly avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages as they can increase risk of liver disorders or pancreatitis.

Also, this medicine might make you feel dizzy. It is advised to avoid alcohol or marijuana as they can cause more dizziness.

Avoid driving, using machinery, or doing anything which demands alertness unless you are able to do it safely.

Before undergoing any surgery, your doctor must know about taking Lamivudine tablets.

Children can be more sensitive to side effects of this medicine, mainly increased risk of pancreatitis.

Before using this medicine, if you are pregnant then let doctor know. Treatment can decrease risk of passing HIV infection to baby.

It is suggested to discuss all benefits and risks with doctor once and then start treatment.

This medicine also passes into breast milk. Since breast milk might transmit HIV, consult a doctor before breastfeeding.

In case, you have hepatitis B infection along with HIV then your hepatitis symptoms can get worse or become serious if Lamivudine is stopped.

Before stopping this medicine, let your doctor know. Some liver function tests might be performed for several after treatment with Epivir is stopped.

In case, you develop symptoms of worsening liver disorders then let your doctor know immediately.

Side effects of Lamivudine (Epivir)

Like other medicines, Lamivudine can also cause some side effects to patients.

However, mild side effects disappear once your body is adjusted to this medicine.

Remember doctor has advised your Epivir because he/she thinks its benefits are greater when compared to its side effects.

While starting treatment, you can suffer from nausea, trouble sleeping, headache, diarrhea, or nausea.

In rare cases, Lamivudine can cause serious liver disorders and a build-up of lactic acid in blood.

These severe side effects might happen more often in women and overweight patients.

Call your doctor quickly, if any of these side effects persist or become worse with time including:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Serious tiredness
• Muscle aches/weakness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Heat intolerance
• Sweating
• Vision changes

Interactions

Let doctor know beforehand about all other products you use including prescription & non-prescription drugs and herbal supplements.

Do not start, stop, or change dosage of any medicines unless a doctor recommends you.

You must not take Orlistat and Sorbitol with Lamivudine as they can interact and cause problems.

Also, Emtricitabine is similar to Epivir and must not be taken together.

Storage

It is suggested to store this medicine at room temperature away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Frequently asked questions about Lamivudine (Epivir)

• Is Lamivudine effective?

Lamivudine is effective when used in dose and duration as directed by your doctor.

Do not stop taking it even if your symptoms or condition improve. Stopping this medicine too early can make your symptoms return or worsen sometimes.

• Is Lamivudine safe during pregnancy?

In case, you are pregnant then talk with doctor once to whether Lamivudine is safe for you or not.

Generally, pregnant women who suffer from HIV need to start treatment immediately to reduce risk of transferring virus to an unborn baby.

• Is Emtricitabine same as Lamivudine (Epivir)?

No, Lamivudine (Epivir) is not similar as Emtricitabine (Emtriva). Though both medicines have same chemical structures, you must not take them together as they do similar work to decrease amount of HIV in body.

They are both first-choice medicines to treat HIV condition but only Lamivudine (Epivir) is approved for treating HBV. Discuss with doctor once to know which treatment option is best for you. ‘

• How long do I need to take Lamivudine?

Make sure to speak with your doctor before stopping this medication. Stopping Lamivudine before treatment might worsen your condition.

This will generally happen during first several months once you stop taking Epivir. Continue taking this drug for the full prescribed time without missing a dose.

• Where to buy lamivudine online?

You can buy Lamivudine online from a licensed pharmacy - Sanford pharmacy without prescription from your doctor.