Lamivudine(Lamivir)

What is Lamivudine(Lamivir)?

Lamivudine is a prescription medicine that is used in treatment of HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

It helps to prevent multiplication of viruses in human cells and stops viruses from producing new viruses. This further clears up infection.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection that leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) over time.

While chronic hepatitis B is a long-term viral infection that is caused by hepatitis B virus.

Dose of Lamivir 150mg and 300mg is used for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

While a dose of Lamivir 100mg is effective in treating hepatitis B virus infection.

Lamivudine is available under brand names Epivir and Epivir HBV. Cipla Ltd. produces this medication.

Epivir is for treating HIV in adults and children who are at least 3 months old. This medicine will only treat HIV but not cure it.

Epivir-HBV treats hepatitis B in adults and children who are over 2 years old. It should not be used in people who are infected with hepatitis B and HIV.

You can save on Lamivudine cost by ordering it from a licensed online pharmacy.

Lamivudine uses

Doctors recommend this medicine for:

• HIV and hepatitis B treatment

How does Lamivudine work?

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

This medicine will not cure your HIV or HBV infection but help to slow down progression of these diseases by restricting ability of viruses to replicate.

To replicate and spread in your body, HIV and HBV require to use of an enzyme known as reverse transcriptase.

NRTIs like lamivudine stop this enzyme. This action prevents HIV and HBV from making copies and slows down spread of viruses.

If Lamivudine is used on its own to treat HIV then it might cause drug resistance.

It should be used in combination with almost two other antiretroviral medicines to control HIV.

How to take Lamivudine?

Before starting your treatment with this medicine, make sure to read patient information leaflet carefully.

If there is any doubt about Lamivir or its dosage then discuss it with your doctor and then start taking this drug.

Doctor will determine lamivudine dose based on several factors including:

• Type and severity of condition you are using Lamivudine to treat
• Your age
• Form of Lamivudine you consume
• Other medical conditions you might have

Generally, doctor will begin your treatment on a low dose and adjust it over time to reach dosage that is best for you.

To ensure desired effect of this medicine, doctor will ultimately prescribe smallest dosage.

Take this medicine by mouth with or without food as prescribed by a doctor, mainly once a day.

Use this drug regularly to attain most benefit from it. It works best when amount of medicine in body is kept at a constant level.

Make sure to use Lamivudine at same time every day without skipping any doses.

Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s consultation.

Worsening of your condition, reduced response to drugs, or development of drug-resistant types of virus might happen during or after treatment.

In case, there are any new symptoms that occur during or after treatment then let doctor know.

• Missed dose

In case, you miss a dose then take it as soon you remember. If it’s already time for next prescribed dose then skip missed one.

You must take your next dose at a regular time and avoid double the dose just to catch up on missed one.

• Overdose

If someone has overdosed and experiences severe symptoms like trouble breathing or feelings of passing out then call a doctor immediately.

Precautions and warnings for Lamivudine

Before you start taking Lamivudine, let your doctor know if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies.

This medicine can contain some inactive ingredients which can cause you allergic reactions or other problems.

Before you use Lamivudine, inform doctor about your medical history, especially of:

• HIV infection
• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Blood disorders
• Kidney disease

Intake of this medication can make you feel dizzy, so avoid consumption of alcohol because it will make you more dizzy. 

Do not drive, use machinery, or indulge in any activity that demands attention unless you can do it safely.

Liquid preparations of Lamivudine-HBV contain sugar. So, if you are a diabetic and use this medicine then close monitoring of blood sugar is vital.

Before undergoing any surgery, let your doctor know about your treatment with Lamivudine.

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

This medication should only be used as directed during pregnancy. Discuss all risks and benefits with doctor.

This medication does not prevent passing of hepatitis B from mother to newborn.

Use of Lamivudine in patients with unknown or untreated HIV infection might result in new types of HIV virus that are difficult to treat.

Serious worsening of hepatitis has occurred in several patients when this medicine is stopped.

For several months after Lamivudine is stopped, liver and blood testing must be continued.

Side effects of Lamivudine

Tiredness, nausea, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or infection of ear/nose/throat might occur while starting treatment.

Remember doctor has prescribed this medicine because he/she thinks its benefits are greater than risk of side effects.

Several people using this medicine, do not suffer from any lamivudine side effects.

Rarely, Lamivir can cause severe liver disorders and a build-up of lactic acid in blood.

These serious side effects are more common in women and obese patients.

Get emergency medical help, if you suffer from any of these severe side effects including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting that does not stop
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of eyes or skin
• Stomach/abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Rapid breathing
• Drowsiness
• Mental or mood changes
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Muscle/joint pain

This medicine seldom causes a very serious allergic reaction. However, if you notice any symptoms of allergic reactions then call doctor promptly.

Interactions

The way your medications function or your risk of having serious adverse effects can both be altered by drug interactions.

Keep a list of products you use including herbal supplements, and prescription

& non-prescription medicines. Share this with doctor.

Without a doctor’s approval, do not start, stop, or change dosage of any medicines.

Here are some medicines that must be avoided during treatment with Lamivudine:

• Emtricitabine
• Trimethoprim
• Drugs containing sorbitol
• Acyclovir
• Allopurinol
• Ganciclovir
• Famciclovir

Storage

It is advised to store this medicine at room temperature right away from sunlight and moisture.

Don't let kids or dogs get near it either.

Frequently asked questions about Lamivudine (Lamivir)

• Is Lamivudine (Lamivir) effective?

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

Do not stop taking this medicine even if you see improvement in your condition within a few days of treatment.

In case, you stop using Lamivudine too early, your symptoms might return or worsen.

• How long should I take Lamivudine tablet?

Do not stop taking Lamivir without consulting your doctor. Stopping this medicine before treatment might worsen your condition.

This might happen during first several months after you stop taking Lamivudine. Never miss any dose.

• Can Lamivudine cure hepatitis B?

No, Lamivudine does not cure hepatitis B but can improve your condition of liver.

It can reduce amount of hepatitis B virus present in your body. This is done by restricting ability of HBV to multiply and further infect new cells of liver.