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:: Overview :: Precautions :: Side Effects :: Further Reading Search results last updated: 9/14/2008

Generic & Brand Name : Source: (RXList)

Brand Name : Epivir
Generic Name : Lamivudine

Overview (Source: MedicineNet)
Lamivudine is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency (HIV) and hepatitis B viruses. It is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine (Hivid), zidovudine (Retrovir), didanosine (Videx), and stavudine (Zerit). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's cells. The viruses then are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner, HIV infection spreads to new, uninfected cells that the body is continually producing, and HIV infection is perpetuated. When producing new viruses, the HIV virus must manufacture new DNA for each virus. Reverse transcriptase is the virus' enzyme that forms this new DNA. Lamivudine first is converted within the body to its active form, lamivudine triphosphate. This active form is similar to a chemical, deoxycytidine triphosphate, that is used by reverse transcriptase to make new DNA. The reverse transcriptase uses lamivudine triphosphate instead of deoxycytidine triphosphate, and the lamivudine triphosphate interferes with the reverse transcriptase. Lamivudine does not kill existing HIV virus, and it is not a cure for HIV. Lamivudine was approved by the FDA in 1995. ...
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MedLinePlusWhy is this medication prescribed?
DrugDigestWhat is/are Lamivudine and Zidovudine Tablets?
DrugInfoOnlinelamivudine

Precautions (Source: MedLinePlus)
Before taking lamivudine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lamivudine or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hepatitis B, kidney disease, or pancreas disease (in children only). tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking lamivudine, call your doctor. You should not breast-feed while taking lamivudine. ...
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RXList Warnings & Precautions
DrugDigest What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Side Effects (Source: MedLinePlus)
Lamivudine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: diarrhea; headache; fatigue; chills; upset stomach; vomiting; loss of appetite; dizziness; trouble sleeping; depression; stuffy nose; cough. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately: rash; stomach pain; vomiting (in children); upset stomach (in children); fever; muscle pain; numbness, tingling, or burning in the fingers or toes. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html ] or by phone [1-800-332-1088]. ...
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RXList Side Effects & Drug Interactions
DrugDigest What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
DrugInfoOnline lamivudine

Further Reading on lamivudine
  • Hepatitis B Guide - Treatment Overview ( WebMD )
    Treatment of hepatitis B viral ( HBV ) infection depends on how active the virus is and whether you are at risk for liver damage ...inhibitors (NRTIs) such as adefovir, entecavir, lamivudine , and...
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection - Treatment Overview ( WebMD )
    The most effective treatment for HIV is highly active antiretroviral therapy ( HAART ), a combination ...reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as tenofovir, emtricitabine, lamivudine , and abacavir.
  • Understanding Hepatitis C - Treatment ( WebMD )
    An overview of the treatment of hepatitis C...for patients with certain types of hepatitis. Antiviral medication for hepatitis B includes interferon alfa-2b, lamivudine , adefovir, dipivoxil, entecavir,
  • HIV/AIDS ( WebMD )
    HIV ( human immunodeficiency virus ) infection is the cause of AIDS , acquired immunodeficiency ...ddC (zalcitabine [Hivid], dideoxyinosine), d4T (stavudine [Zerit]), and 3TC ( lamivudine [Epivir]). These...

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