Generic Epivir

Product Information

Lamivudine is used for:

Treating certain types of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Lamivudine is a nucleoside analogue. It works by reducing the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body by blocking the ability of the virus to multiply and infect new liver cells.

Do NOT use Lamivudine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lamivudine
• you have HIV infection, abnormal liver function tests, severe liver problems, or lactic acidosis
• you are currently taking zalcitabine or other products containing lamivudine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Lamivudine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Lamivudine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have muscle problems, swelling of the pancreas, abnormal blood counts, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or a nerve disorder

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lamivudine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole because side effects and actions may be increased by Lamivudine
• Zalcitabine because the action of Lamivudine and lamivudine will be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lamivudine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Lamivudine :

Use Lamivudine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Lamivudine may be taken with or without food.
• Continue to take Lamivudine even if you feel well.
• If it important not to miss any doses of Lamivudine. Taking Lamivudine at the same times each day will help you to remember.
• Lamivudine comes with an additional patient leaflet. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Lamivudine refilled.
• If you miss a dose of Lamivudine , take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lamivudine.

Important safety information:

• Lamivudine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Lamivudine. Using Lamivudine alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Your doctor will offer you counseling and testing for HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) before treatment with Lamivudine and periodically during treatment. You should not take Lamivudine if you have HIV infection. If you have both hepatitis B virus and HIV, make sure that your doctor knows you have both infections. If you are prescribed lamivudine, you should only use the medicine that is for HIV treatment ( Epivir ). The lower dose of lamivudine in Lamivudine could make the HIV infection harder to treat.
• Lamivudine is not a cure for hepatitis B virus infection. It is unknown if Lamivudine reduces the risk of liver cancer or cirrhosis that may be caused by hepatitis B virus. Some patients developed hepatitis B virus that is resistant to Lamivudine. These patients had less benefit from Lamivudine and some experienced worsening of hepatitis after the resistant virus appeared.
• Your doctor will perform lab tests for several months after you stop taking Lamivudine. Some patients have had worsening hepatitis B virus after stopping use of Lamivudine. Tell your doctor about any new or unusual symptoms that you notice after stopping treatment.
• Lamivudine has not been shown to reduce the risk of passing hepatitis B to other people through sexual contact or blood contamination. Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with hepatitis B virus.
• Diabetes patients - Lamivudine contains sucrose and may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• LAB TESTS, including liver and kidney function tests, may be required to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Caution is advised when using Lamivudine in CHILDREN with a history of swelling of the pancreas. Lamivudine is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 2 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Lamivudine during pregnancy. Lamivudine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Lamivudine.

Possible side effects of Lamivudine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Changes in body fat; chills; coughing; decreased appetite; diarrhea; difficulty sleeping; dizziness; ear, nose, and throat infection; general body discomfort; headache; indigestion; joint pain; muscle pain; nausea; sinus drainage; sore throat; stomach discomfort; tiredness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; depression (mental or mood changes); enlarged stomach; increased heart rate; numbness or tingling in the arms or legs; persistent sore throat, chills, or fever; severe muscle or joint pain; stomach tenderness or pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual weakness or exhaustion; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.