Indications
Epivir (lamivudine) is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Epivir is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults and children. It belongs to a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which work by reducing the amount of HIV or hepatitis B virus in the body, slowing down the progression of the disease and improving the immune system.
Epivir should always be used in combination with other antiviral medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It can be used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life.
Uses and Dosage
Epivir (Lamivudine) comes in tablet form and is taken orally, with or without food, usually once or twice daily. To use Epivir tablet, take it by mouth with or without food as recommended by your doctor, typically once or twice daily. Patients who cannot swallow tablets should use the oral solution, or alternatively they may crush the tablets and add them to a small amount of food or drink immediately before swallowing it.
Be sure to follow the dosage and frequency instructions carefully and do not change your dose without your doctor's direction. Taking Epivir tablet inconsistently or stopping it abruptly can make the infection more challenging to treat or cause adverse side effects. Also, take it at the same time(s) each day to achieve the most beneficial outcome.
The recommended dose of Epivir for adults and children weighing at least 25 kg is 300 mg a day. This can be taken either as a single daily dose or divided into 150 mg twice a day. In children weighing less than 25 kg the recommended dose depends on their weight.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Epivir (Lamivudine):
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Difficulty falling sleeping or staying asleep
- Depression
- Stuffy nose
Serious Side Effects of Epivir (Lamivudine):
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Fast heart rate
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pancreas problems
- Right-sided upper stomach pain
- Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back
- Swelling around your midsection
Form and Strength
Epivir (Lamivudine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Epivir: Tablet
- 150 mg
- 300 mg
Lamivudine: Tablet
- 150 mg
Caution
- Epivir may interact with other medications, such as interferon alfa, ribavirin, and zalcitabine, so it is important to inform your doctor of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking before starting Epivir.
- Epivir can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea, which are typically mild but can be more severe with long-term use.
- Epivir should be used with caution in individuals who have liver disease or have had past liver problems. Rarely, it can cause severe liver problems.
- Epivir may cause pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be life-threatening in some cases.
- Epivir can cause lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood that can be fatal in rare cases.
- Epivir should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
- Epivir should be used with caution during breastfeeding and only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Epivir be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor before taking Epivir. Some studies suggest that it is safe to use during pregnancy, but caution is still advised.
Are there any specific drug interactions with Epivir?
You should inform your doctor of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking before starting Epivir, as it can interact with some drugs, such as interferon alfa, ribavirin, and zalcitabine.
Are there any specific drug interactions with Epivir?
You should inform your doctor of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking before starting Epivir, as it can interact with some drugs, such as interferon alfa, ribavirin, and zalcitabine.
Resources
- https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/lamivudine-oral-tablet
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-12010-8268/epivir-oral/lamivudine-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/epivir.html#side-effects
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696011.html
- https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Epivir-HBV/pdf/EPIVIR-HBV-PI-PIL.PDF
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020564s37_020596s036lbl.pdf
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