Indications
Zeffix is a medicine used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in adults and children aged 2 years and above. It can be indicated for patients 16 years of age with chronic hepatitis B and evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication with one.
Zeffix contains the active substance lamivudine and is available in the form of tablets (100 mg). Lamivudine is an antiviral medicine that inhibits the hepatitis B virus and belongs to a group of medicines called transcriptase inhibitors. It works by blocking the activity of an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which is needed by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) to replicate and multiply.
Use and Dosage
Zeffix comes in the form of tablet by mouth, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. It should be taken by mouth with or without food, usually once a day. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, and do not crush or chew it.
The usual recommended dosage of Zeffix tablet is 100mg, taken once daily with or without food. Take the tablet at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in the body.
Use Zeffix tablet regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it as directed and do not change the dosage or stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider. Zeffix tablet works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Zeffix (Lamivudine):
- Abdominal discomfort and pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Malaise
- Nausea
- Respiratory tract infections
- Throat and tonsil discomfort
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Zeffix (Lamivudine):
- Clay-colored stools
- Cold sores
- Cough
- Dark urine
- Diarrhea
- Fast heart rate
- Fever
- Impotence
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Liver problems
- Loss of appetite
- Menstrual changes
- Night sweats
- Pancreas problems: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting
- Problems with balance or eye movement
- Right-sided upper stomach pain
- Swelling around your midsection
- Swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
- Swollen glands
- Trouble speaking or swallowing
- Weakness or prickly feeling
- Weight loss
- Wheezing
Forms and Strengths
Zeffix (Lamivudine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Zeffix: Tablet
- 100mg
Cautions
- Chronic co-administration of Zeffix with medicinal products containing sorbitol should be avoided if possible.
- Zeffix may interact with other medications, so keep a list of all the products you are using, including prescription/non-prescription drugs and herbal supplements.
- Zeffix should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems.
- Rarely, lamivudine-HBV (the active substance in Zeffix) can cause severe liver problems and a buildup of lactic acid in the blood.
- Use of Zeffix should be avoided whenever possible.
- Zeffix may cause a decrease in the number of blood cells in the body, which may increase the risk of bleeding, infection, or anemia.
- Patients should be advised to notify their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any of the following serious side effects: muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness with fever or flu-like symptoms, a skin rash or blistering of the skin, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or lips.
- Zeffix should not be used during pregnancy, unless clearly necessary, and only under strict medical supervision.
- Breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment with Zeffix.
- Patients should be advised to take Zeffix exactly as prescribed, at the same time(s) every day, and not to skip doses as it may increase the risk of developing drug-resistant viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do I need to take Zeffix for?
The length of treatment with Zeffix (lamivudine) will depend on your individual situation and response to the medication. Continue taking Zeffix as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you feel better, to maintain its effects.
Is Zeffix available in generic form?
Yes, a generic form of Zeffix (lamivudine) is available under the name Lamivudine Teva.
Can Zeffix be taken with other medications?
Zeffix (lamivudine) may interact with other medications, inform your healthcare provider of all the products you are using, including prescription/non-prescription drugs and herbal supplements, before starting treatment with Zeffix.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5600-9330/lamivudine-oral/lamivudine-hbv-oral/details
- https://patient.info/medicine/lamivudine-for-hepatitis-b-infection-zeffix
- https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/z/Zeffixoralsol.pdf
- https://www.drugs.com/dosage/lamivudine.html
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696011.html
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