Lamivudine
LAMIVUDINE ORAL TABLETS (lam-EYE-view-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Epivir
WARNING: Lamivudine has caused severe, even fatal, liver and blood acid-base problems (lactic acidosis). Immediately notify your doctor if you develop dark urine, unusual fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, rapid breathing, drowsiness, muscle aches, or stomach/abdominal pain.
USES: Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor antiviral agent used in combination with other antivirals for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It works by slowing the growth of the virus. This medication is not a cure for HIV, nor does it prevent the passing of HIV to others.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to prevent HIV after coming in contact with the virus.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take this by mouth exactly as directed usually once or twice a day. Follow your dosing instructions closely. May be taken with or without food. This medication is often given in combination with zidovudine (AZT) for best effects. Follow directions for taking zidovudine carefully.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, change in appetite, dizziness, weakness or muscle aches may occur. If these symptoms continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience a skin rash, fever, chills, stuffy nose, cough, stomach pain, severe weakness, tingling of the hands or feet, rapid breathing, dark urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, pancreatic disorders, hepatitis B, of any allergies, heart disease, any major surgery/infection/injury, liver disease and of alcohol usage. Lamivudine in combination with zidovudine should be used with extreme caution in children with pancreatitis. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if lamivudine is excreted into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you may take including sulfamethozazole-trimethoprim. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: This medication is not a cure for HIV infection but has shown some positive results. The long-term effects are unknown at this time. Keep all doctor appointments and scheduled laboratory tests as your condition will be monitored closely. Be aware that this medication does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. This is a potent medication which should not be shared. Do not allow anyone else to take your medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
