Lamivudine



Epivir®; Epivir-HBV®







Lamivudine

(la MI vyoo deen)

U.S. Brand Names
Epivir®; Epivir-HBV®
Canadian Brand Names
Heptovir®; 3TC®
Mexican Brand Names
3TC®
Pharmacologic Category
Antiretroviral Agent, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (Nucleoside)
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • This medicine may cause liver damage and a change in the acid levels in the blood. Closely review the section in this leaflet which lists when to call healthcare provider. Pregnancy, obesity, and/or prolonged therapy may increase the risk.
  • HIV testing may be suggested to patients taking lamivudine (Epivar®-HBV™) for hepatitis B infection. Unrecognized HIV infection may be more difficult to treat after taking lamivudine alone.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to lamivudine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used during labor in females who are infected with HIV and have not been treated.
  • This medicine is used to treat hepatitis B infection.
  • This medicine is used to treat HIV infection.
How does it work?
  • Lamivudine works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • In HIV treatment, this medicine is usually taken with two other medicines.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose, brand, or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • All forms:
  • Do not run out of this medicine.
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are being treated for both hepatitis B and AIDS, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • HIV infection:
  • If medicine changes for HIV infection, make sure to ask healthcare provider about hepatitis B treatment.
  • To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy in HIV disease.
  • Hepatitis B infection:
  • To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Irritated pancreas can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: