lamivudine-hbv - oral, Epivir HBV
GENERIC NAME: LAMIVUDINE-HBV - ORAL (la-MIV-ue-deen)
BRAND NAME(S): Epivir HBV
Warning |
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Lactic acid buildup in the blood (lactic acidosis) and sometimes fatal liver disease have occurred with the use of lamivudine-HBV, used both alone and in combination with other drugs for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
HIV counseling and testing should be offered to all patients both before and during treatment with lamivudine-HBV. Lamivudine-HBV contains a lower dose of the drug lamivudine, which is used to treat HIV infection as well as hepatitis B. Use of lamivudine-HBV in patients with unknown or untreated HIV infection could result in new types of HIV virus that are more difficult to treat (drug-resistant).
Severe worsening of hepatitis has occurred when this medication is stopped. Liver and blood testing should continue for several months after lamivudine-HBV is stopped. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
USES: Lamivudine-HBV is used to treat hepatitis B infection. It is not a cure for hepatitis B and does not prevent the passing of hepatitis B to others. This medication is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that works by slowing the growth of the virus, thereby decreasing liver damage caused by the virus.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using lamivudine-HBV and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take lamivudine-HBV by mouth with or without food, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor.Use this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Do not skip any doses. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Worsening of your condition, decreased response to medication, or development of drug-resistant types of the virus may occur during or after treatment. Promptly report any new symptoms that occur during or after treatment to your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, or infections of the ear/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, muscle/joint pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: deep/rapid breathing, drowsiness, tingling/numbness in hands or feet.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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