Lamivudine

Information about Lamivudine

Lamivudine Uses

Lamivudine is used in the treatment of HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

How Lamivudine works

Lamivudine is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.

Common side effects of Lamivudine

Headache, Nausea, Fever, Diarrhea, Weakness, Cough, Runny nose
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Sakshi Sharma
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated:
17 Jun 2020 | 05:05 AM (UTC)
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Read Our Editorial Policy

Available Medicine for Lamivudine

LamivirCipla Ltd
₹122 to ₹1432 variant(s)
HeptavirHetero Drugs Ltd
₹80 to ₹903 variant(s)
LavirEmcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹5981 variant(s)
HepitecGlaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹5651 variant(s)
RetrolamAlkem Laboratories Ltd
₹911 variant(s)
EpivirGlaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹13501 variant(s)
LamihopeMacleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
₹5381 variant(s)
LamidacZydus Cadila
₹1241 variant(s)
TapivirTaj Pharma India Ltd
₹811 variant(s)
ShanvudinShantha Biotech
₹99 to ₹1372 variant(s)

Expert advice for Lamivudine

  • You have been prescribed Lamivudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
  • In combination with other medicines, it is used for the treatment of HIV infections.
  • Take it with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body.
  • Lamivudine may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
  • You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with viral infection while taking this medication.
  • You can also pass on HIV or HBV to others. Don't share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
  • During treatment and for at least six months after stopping this medicine, regular blood tests are needed to monitor your liver function, level of hepatitis B virus and blood cells in your blood.

Frequently asked questions for Lamivudine

Lamivudine

Q. How should I take Lamivudine?

Lamivudine should be taken in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, it is better to take it at a fixed time of the day to avoid the chances of missing a dose.

Q. Is Lamivudine effective?

Lamivudine is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Lamivudine too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.

Q. What is drug resistance? Can I develop drug resistance with Lamivudine?

Drug resistance is a state where the medicine which was once effective in treating an infection becomes ineffective. This mainly happens due to the ability acquired by the virus or bacteria to get modified inside the body which affects the overall working of the medicine. Hence, the medicine is no longer able to fight against the virus or bacteria. Generally, drug resistance with Lamivudine is more likely to happen if you take less dose than what is recommended.

Q. How long should I take Lamivudine?

Do not stop taking entecavir without consulting your doctor. Stopping entecavir before treatment may worsen your hepatitis. This can happen during the first several months after you stop taking entecavir. Take the medicine strictly as advised and do not miss any dose.

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Lamivudine?

If you forget a dose of Lamivudine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Q. What if HIV infection co-exists with HBV infection? Will this affect treatment with Lamivudine?

In HBV patients who are diagnosed with HIV, Lamivudine is not recommended until and unless these patients start taking medicines for HIV management. Starting Lamivudine in such patients may cause resistance to the prescribed HIV medicines. Therefore, doctors recommend tests for HIV in patients diagnosed with HBV infection before starting treatment with Lamivudine.

Q. Can Lamivudine cure hepatitis B?

No, Lamivudine does not cure hepatitis B but may improve the condition of the liver. It may decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) present in the body. This is done by limiting the ability of HBV to multiply and further infect new liver cells.

Q. Is Lamivudine safe?

Lamivudine is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

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