Lamivudine

Lamivudine (Epivir) is used in combination with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lamivudine is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Lamivudine does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people. Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) is used to treat hepatitis B infection. Lamivudine is in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It works by stopping the spread of the HIV and hepatitis B viruses.

Lamivudine comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. Lamivudine (Epivir) is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day). Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) is usually taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lamivudine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take lamivudine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lamivudine without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Lamivudine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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diarrhea</li>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
fatigue</li>
<li>
chills</li>
<li>
nausea</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
loss of appetite</li>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
trouble sleeping</li>
<li>
depression</li>
<li>
stuffy nose</li>
<li>
cough</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
vomiting (in children)</li>
<li>
nausea (in children)</li>
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fever</li>
<li>
muscle pain</li>
<li>
numbness, tingling, or burning in the fingers or toes</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking lamivudine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lamivudine or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hepatitis B, kidney disease, or pancreas disease (in children only).

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.