Lamivudine
About
Lamivudine belongs to the group of medications called antiretroviral drugs used to control HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection that, over time, leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Lamivudine contains ‘lamivudine’, which is a ‘nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor’ and works by preventing the development of the virus in human cells. This prevents the virus from producing new viruses and cleans up your infection. It can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with HIV and chronic hepatitis B infection.
Take Lamivudine as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Lamivudine based on your medical condition. Some people may experience headaches, fever, nausea, weakness, diarrhoea, cough, and runny nose. Most of these side effects of Lamivudine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Lamivudine if you are allergic to ‘lamivudine’ or any other contents present in it. Patients should take necessary precautions to avoid infecting others. This medicine should not be given to adolescents with a history of kidney failure. If you have liver disease, including hepatitis B or C, then you should not take this Lamivudine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, and breastfeeding. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Uses of Lamivudine
Medicinal Benefits
Lamivudine belongs to the group of antiretroviral drugs used to control HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B. Lamivudine contains ‘lamivudine’, which is a ‘nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor’ and works by preventing the development of the virus in human cells. This prevents the virus from producing new viruses and cleans up your infection. It can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with HIV and chronic hepatitis B infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lamivudine
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Runny nose
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Lamivudine if you are allergic to ‘lamivudine’ or any other contents present in it. Patients should take necessary precautions to avoid infecting others. This medicine should not be given to adolescents with a history of kidney failure. If you have liver disease, including hepatitis B or C, then you should not take this Lamivudine. Hepatitis B has gotten worse when this Lamivudine was stopped in some people with hepatitis B. If you are overweight, especially women, do not take this Lamivudine. Inform your doctor if you have never had hepatitis care before. This medicine contains lactose, so inform your doctor if you have an intolerance to any sugars. People with lactose intolerance Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, and breastfeeding. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lamivudine may interact with a medication used to treat hepatitis B virus (adefovir dipivoxil), used to treat HIV infection (emtricitabine), antibiotic (cotrimoxazole), anticancer (cladribine, bexarotene), anti-gout medicine (leflunomide).
Drug-food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-disease interactions: Lamivudine should be used with caution in patients with pancreatic, severe liver, or kidney diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsuming alcohol while using Lamivudine may worsen the condition.
Pregnancy
cautionLamivudine is a category B medicine. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeWomen who are HIV-positive must not breastfeed, because HIV infection can be passed on to the baby in breast milk. A small amount of Lamivudine can also pass with breast milk.
Driving
cautionLamivudine may cause dizziness. So, avoid driving or refrain from any activities that require you to be alert mentally.
Liver
cautionLamivudine should be used with caution if you have liver problems. Your doctor may adjust the dose of Lamivudine based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionLamivudine should be used with caution if you have kidney problems. Your doctor may adjust the dose of Lamivudine based on your condition.
Children
cautionLamivudine should be used with caution in children below 2 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
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Eat a diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.
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Option for lean meat such as skinless chicken and fish. Limit processed and high-sugar foods.
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Avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, lemons, and oranges.
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Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
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Exercise regularly as it promotes both physical and mental health.
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Take the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of infection to other people.
Special Advise
Your doctor may regularly monitor liver function, kidney function, and bone density if you take Lamivudine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV): It is a virus that suppresses the immune system and causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) over time. The suppression of immunity leads to the development of opportunistic infections. It is a life-long condition, and there is no permanent cure. The treatment (antiretroviral therapy) is given to suppress the infection.
Chronic Hepatitis B: A severe and long-term liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It spreads by contact with infected body fluids. The symptoms of this condition are abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the eyes.
FAQs
Lamivudine does not affect fertility. However, if you develop any side effects while using Lamivudine, consult your doctor immediately.
No, Lamivudine does not cure hepatitis B but may improve the condition of the liver. It may reduce the quantity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the body. This is done by reducing the ability of HBV to multiply and further contaminate new liver cells.
Lamivudine is safe if used in the dose and duration recommended by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed, and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's guidelines carefully and inform your doctor if any side effects disturb you.
Do not stop taking Lamivudine without consulting your doctor. Stopping Lamivudine before treatment may worsen your hepatitis. This can occur during the first few months after you stop taking Lamivudine. Take the Lamivudine strictly as instructed, and do not miss any dose.
In hepatitis B (HBV) patients diagnosed with HIV, Lamivudine is not suggested until and unless these patients start taking Lamivudine for HIV management. Starting Lamivudine in such patients may lead to resistance to the recommended HIV medicines. Therefore, doctors advise tests for HIV in patients diagnosed with HBV infection before starting treatment with Lamivudine.
