Medications and Drugs

AIDS Retrospective Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: LAMIVUDINE-HBV - ORAL (lam-EYE-view-deen)

BRAND NAME(S): Epivir HBV

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: Lactic acid build-up in the blood (lactic acidosis) and severe liver disease, including death, have been reported with the use of lamivudine, either alone or in combination with other drugs used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (e.g., zidovudine, ritonavir). HIV counseling and testing should be offered both before and during treatment to all patients using lamivudine-HBV. Lamivudine-HBV contains a lower dose of the drug lamivudine used to treat HIV infection. Use of lamivudine-HBV in patients with unknown or untreated HIV infection could result in resistant strains of HIV. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

USES: Lamivudine-HBV is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used to treat a chronic viral infection of the liver (hepatitis B). It works by slowing the growth of the virus. It is not a cure for hepatitis B and does not prevent the passing of hepatitis B to others.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily; or take as directed by your doctor. May take with or without food. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop taking this medication unless directed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. The safety and effectiveness of this medication after one year of use has not been established. The optimal duration of use of this medication is unknown. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Lamivudine-HBV is not appropriate for the treatment of patients infected with both hepatitis B and HIV. An HIV test is recommended both before and during treatment to ensure you receive appropriate treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Worsening of your condition, decreased response to therapy, or the occurrence of resistant strains of the virus may occur during or after treatment. Promptly report any new symptoms that occur during or after treatment to your doctor.