Generic Epivir (Lamivudine)

Common use

Epivir is an antiviral medication which used to fight infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the deadly cause of AIDS. Epivir prevents the cells from producing new virus and decreases the amount of virus in the body. This drug is also prescribed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection. Note that this medication must be used in combination with other HIV drugs.



Dosage and direction

Take it orally with or without food/milk at the same time each day. The Epivir dose normally used to treat hepatitis B for adults is one 100mg tablet once a day. The recommended dosage for treatment HIV is one 300mg tablet once daily or one 150mg tablet every 12 hours.

Children dosage depends on the weight of the child, and their ability to swallow pills. The liquid formulation should be given 4 mg per kilogram of body weight, up to a maximum of 150 milligrams twice daily.

Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It's very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It help you to get best results.



Precautions

Do not take it without doctor's permission if your medical history include: kidney disease; liver disease; pancreatitis; problems with your muscles; or problems with your blood counts. Remember that this drug does not reduce the risk of passing the HIV or hepatitis B virus to others. Do not use alcohol because it may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/or liver. Epivir should not be used during pregnancy, becoming pregnant or lactating without doctor's advice. Do not use Epivir before breast-feeding without doctor's advice.



Contraindications

Epivir is not allowed in people who are hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.



Possible side effect

They may include an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Also the most possible side effects include:

liver damage, stomach pain, clay-colored stools, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice; muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, nausea with vomiting, and fast or uneven heart rate; pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate; peripheral neuropathy - numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet; easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, pale skin; white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; any other signs of new infection.

Less serious include:

cough; sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; joint or muscle pain;

dizziness, headache, tired feeling; changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk).

If you experience one of them stop using Epivir and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.



Drug interaction

Epivir interact with interferon-alfa (Roferon, Intron, Rebetron); trimethoprim (Bactrim, Proloprim, Septra, Trimpex); or ribavirin (Rebetol, Ribasphere, Copegus Virazole). Also note that interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual it affects the the effect of drugs, so consult with your doctor about how it interactions are being managed or should be managed.



Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.



Overdose

Symptoms of Epivir overdose are not known. So if you experience any unusual symptom call your doctor immediately.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.