Epivir

Epivir

     * Generic Name: lamivudine
     * Brand Name: Epivir


     * What is lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?
     * What are the possible side effects of lamivudine (Epivir,
       Epivir HBV)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?
     * How should I take lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?
     * What should I avoid while taking lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir
       HBV)?
     * What other drugs will affect lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?
     * Where can I get more information (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?

What is lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?

   Lamivudine is an antiviral medicine that prevents human
   immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus from
   multiplying in your body.

   Epivir is for treating HIV, the virus that can cause acquired
   immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Epivir is not a cure for HIV
   or AIDS.

   Epivir-HBV is for treating hepatitis B. Epivir-HBV should not be
   used in people who are infected with both hepatitis B and HIV.

   Lamivudine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Early symptoms of lactic acidosis may get worse over time and this
   condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even
   mild symptoms: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in
   your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with
   vomiting, fast or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very
   weak or tired.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * pancreas problems--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to
       your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate; or
     * liver problems--nausea, right-sided stomach pain, itching, tired
       feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools,
       jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

   Lamivudine may increase your risk of certain infections or
   autoimmune disorders by changing the way your immune system
   works. Symptoms may occur weeks or months after you start treatment
   with lamivudine. Tell your doctor if you have:
     * signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands,
       mouth sores, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss;
     * chest pain (especially when you breathe), dry cough, wheezing,
       feeling short of breath;
     * cold sores, sores on your genital or anal area;
     * rapid heart rate, feeling anxious or irritable, weakness or prickly
       feeling, problems with balance or eye movement;
     * trouble speaking or swallowing, severe lower back pain, loss of
       bladder or bowel control; or
     * swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual
       changes, impotence, loss of interest in sex.

   Common side effects may include:
     * nausea, diarrhea;
     * headache;
     * changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your
       arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist);
     * fever, tiredness, general ill feeling;
     * ear infection--ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage
       from the ear; or
     * nose or throat infection--stuffy nose, sneezing, sore
       throat, cough.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about lamivudine
(Epivir, Epivir HBV)?

   You should not take Epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B) if you also
   take other medicine that contains lamivudine or emtricitabine. This
   includes Atripla, Combivir, Complera, Emtriva,
   Epzicom, Stribild, Trizivir, and Truvada.

   Lamivudine may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Get
   emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle
   pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble
   breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, fast or uneven heart
   rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

   Lamivudine can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your
   liver or pancreas. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe pain in
   your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea, loss of appetite,
   dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or
   eyes).

   If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop
   taking lamivudine. Your liver function may need to be checked for
   several months after you stop using lamivudine.

   Epivir Patient Information including How Should I Take
   HIV AIDS: Myths and Facts on Symptoms and Treatments

   HIV AIDS Myths and Facts Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the HIV/AIDS Quiz
   AIDS Retrospective:Pictorial Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic

   AIDS Retrospective Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lamivudine
(Epivir, Epivir HBV)?

   You should not take lamivudine if you are allergic to it.

   You should not take Epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B) if you also
   take other medicine that contains lamivudine or emtricitabine, which
   includes:
     * Atripla (efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir);
     * Combivir (lamivudine and zidovudine);
     * Complera (rilpivirine, emtricitabine, and tenofovir);
     * Emtriva (emtricitabine);
     * Epzicom (abacavir and lamivudine);
     * Stribild (cobicistat, elvitegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir);
     * Trizivir (abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine); and
     * Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir).

   To make sure lamivudine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
   ever had:
     * liver disease (especially hepatitis B if you are being treated
       for HIV), or if you had a liver transplant;
     * kidney disease;
     * pancreatitis; or
     * if you used any HIV/AIDS medicine in the past.

   Some people taking lamivudine develop a serious condition called lactic
   acidosis. This may be more likely in women, in people who are
   overweight or have liver disease, and in people who have taken
   HIV/AIDS medication for a long time. Talk with your doctor about your
   risk.

   If you have diabetes, you should know that the liquid forms of
   lamivudine contain 3 to 4 grams of sucrose (sugar) per dose.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during
   pregnancy. If you have HIV, take all of your HIV medicines as directed
   to control your infection.

   If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry.
   This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any
   effects of lamivudine on the baby.

   Lamivudine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
   should not breast-feed while you are using lamivudine to treat
   hepatitis B. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast feed a baby. Even
   if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby
   in your breast milk.

   Lamivudine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

How should I take lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
   You should not take Epivir (for treating HIV) together with Epivir-HBV
   (for treating hepatitis B).

   Lamivudine can be taken with or without food.

   You may need to break an Epivir tablet in half when giving this
   medicine to a child for HIV. Call your doctor if the child has any
   trouble swallowing the tablet.

   If a child is using this medicine, tell your doctor if the child has
   any changes in weight. Lamivudine doses are based on weight in
   children, and any changes may affect your child's dose. Children who
   weigh more than 30 pounds (14 kilograms) should use the tablet form of
   lamivudine if possible. Lamivudine liquid may not be as effective.

   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   The Epivir brand contains a higher dose of lamivudine than Epivir-HBV
   brand. Epivir is for treating HIV and Epivir-HBV is for treating
   hepatitis B. Each time you get a refill of this medication, be sure you
   have received the correct brand to treat your condition.

   While using lamivudine, you may need frequent blood tests. Your kidney
   and liver function may also need to be checked. You may also need to
   have frequent HIV testing. If you become infected with HIV while
   you are taking lamivudine to treat hepatitis, the HIV could become
   resistant to antiviral medicines if not treated right away.

   HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Use all
   medications as directed by your doctor. Read the instructions provided
   with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule
   without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV or AIDS should
   remain under the care of a doctor.

   Store lamivudine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do
   not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

   If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop
   taking lamivudine. Your doctor may want to check your liver function
   for several months after you stop using this medicine.

   Epivir Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   HIV AIDS: Myths and Facts on Symptoms and Treatments

   HIV AIDS Myths and Facts Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the HIV/AIDS Quiz
   AIDS Retrospective:Pictorial Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic

   AIDS Retrospective Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?

   Taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other
   people. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes.
   Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission
   during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a
   healthy person.

What other drugs will affect lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?

   Other drugs may interact with lamivudine, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some drugs
   should not be used together with lamivudine. Tell your doctor about all
   your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Epivir, Epivir HBV)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about lamivudine.
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