Lamivudine

 
Generic Name: lamivudine

Brands: Epivir, Epivir HBV

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What is the most important information I should know about Lamivudine?

· Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of Lamivudine, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.

· Serious cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of Lamivudine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

· Avoid alcohol while taking Lamivudine. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/or liver.

· Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Lamivudine does not reduce the risk of passing the HIV or hepatitis B virus to others.

 

What is Lamivudine?

· Lamivudine is an antiviral medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Lamivudine inhibits the reproduction of viruses in the body.

· The Epivir brand of Lamivudine is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The Epivir-HBV brand of Lamivudine is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

· Lamivudine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lamivudine?

· Before taking Lamivudine, tell your doctor if you have:     ·kidney disease;     ·liver disease;     ·pancreatitis;     ·problems with your muscles; or     ·problems with your blood counts.

· You may not be able to take Lamivudine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Each 15 mL (one tablespoon) dose of Epivir oral solution contains 3 grams of sucrose. Each 20 mL dose of Epivir-HBV oral solution contains 4 grams of sucrose. Individuals with diabetes may need to monitor their intake of this additive.

· Lamivudine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Lamivudine will be harmful to an unborn baby. It is very important to treat HIV/AIDS during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infecting the baby. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

· It is not known whether Lamivudine passes into breast milk and what effect it may have on a nursing baby. To prevent transmission of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that HIV-positive mothers not breast-feed.

 

How should I take Lamivudine?

· Take Lamivudine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Lamivudine can be taken with or without food.

· For the treatment of HIV or AIDS, Lamivudine is usually taken twice a day and is often used in combination with other HIV medicines. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· For the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, Lamivudine is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· The amount of Lamivudine in the Epivir-HBV tablets and oral solution is less than the amount in other Lamivudine products used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS such as Epivir, Combivir, and Trizivir. Epivir-HBV generally should not be used by patients who have both hepatitis B and HIV infection since this may cause the HIV virus to be less treatable with Lamivudine and some other drugs.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of Lamivudine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

· It is important to take Lamivudine regularly to get the most benefit.

· Treatment of HIV/AIDS almost always requires the use of two or more drugs. If you need to stop taking one of the medicines you are taking for HIV, you should stop all of them until you can talk to your doctor.

· Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Lamivudine to monitor progress and side effects.

· Store Lamivudine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Lamivudine overdose are not known.

 

What should I avoid while taking Lamivudine?

· Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Lamivudine does not reduce the risk of passing the HIV or hepatitis B virus to others.

· Avoid alcohol while taking Lamivudine. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/or liver.

 

What are the possible side effects of Lamivudine?

· Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of reverse transcriptase inhibitors, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.

· Serious cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of Lamivudine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

· If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking Lamivudine and seek emergency medical attention.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Lamivudine and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·fatigue or tiredness;     ·mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite;     ·headache;     ·insomnia;     ·dizziness;     ·muscle or joint soreness;     ·fever or chills;     ·skin rash; or     ·redistribution of body fat (loss of fat from the arms, legs, and face and increased fat around the neck, breast, and trunk).

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Lamivudine?

· Lamivudine may interact with other medications resulting in reduced effectiveness and/or side effects. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Lamivudine written for health professionals that you may read.

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