Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: LAMIVUDINE ORAL TABLETS (lam-EYE-view-deen)
BRAND NAME(S): Epivir
Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Rarely, lamivudine has caused severe (sometimes 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. Different brands of this drug have different amounts of active drug. Do not switch brands of this medication without first checking with your doctor. If you have an HIV infection, you should be taking the higher strength dosage. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
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. One group of HIV medications (the nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTIs such as zidovudine and lamivudine) are very useful. However, NRTIs are recommended to be used in combination with other groups of HIV medications in order to be effective. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to prevent HIV after coming in contact with the virus.
HOW TO USE: 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, unusual fatigue, tingling of the hands or feet, rapid breathing, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. 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, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Read about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes, symptoms, signs, treatment, prevention, transmission, facts, testing, research (vaccine), statistics and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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