What are the uses for lamivudine?
- Lamivudine is used for the
treatment of
HIV infection
and hepatitis B
virus (HBV) infection. - It also is used off-label for
prevention of HIV among
individuals accidentally exposed to HIV.
What brand names are available for lamivudine?
Epivir, Epivir HBV
Is lamivudine available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for lamivudine?
Yes
What are the side effects of lamivudine?
The most severe side effects of lamivudine are:
- pancreatitis,
- liver failure,
- metabolic disturbance (lactic acidosis),
- a decrease in blood cells,
- muscle pain,
- weakness, and
- nerve damage in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy). Symptoms of peripheral
neuropathy are tingling, numbness and pain in the feet or hands.
Other important side effects are
- fever,
- abdominal pain,
- weight loss,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- hair loss, and
- difficulty sleeping.
Which drugs or supplements interact with lamivudine?
-
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) increases
the concentration of lamivudine in the body. Zalcitabine (Hivid) and lamivudine
may interfere with the activity of each other.
Is lamivudine safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Use of lamivudine
during
pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated. - It is not known whether lamivudine is secreted in
breast milk. HIV infected mothers should not breastfeed because of the
potential risk of transmitting HIV to an infant that is not infected.
What else should I know about lamivudine?
What preparations of lamivudine are available?
- Tablets: 100, 150, and 300 mg
- Oral solution: 5, 10
mg/ml
How should I keep lamivudine stored?
Tablets and solution should be stored at room temperature
between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F).