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Epivir Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Lamivudine

Epivir is an antiviral medication or anti-HIV medication. It is in a category of HIV medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Epivir helps to prevents the cells from producing new virus and decreases the amount of virus in the body. Epivir has different names. When the drug was first studied, it was known as 3TC. But its generic name is lamivudine. When the drug is prescribed for HIV, its brand name is Epivir. When the drug is prescribed for HBV, then its brand name is Epivir HBV.

Epivir Dosage

• You should be taken epivir HBV by mouth with or without food. It is also available as an oral liquid for children. The usual dosage to treat HBV infection is 100 mg taken once daily.
• The recommended dosage for the treatment of HIV infection is higher. You should be taken 150 mg tablet twice daily.

Uses of Epivir

• Epivir is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), because it may cause the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
• Epivir-HBV brand of Epivir is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
• You can also used Lamivudine sometimes in combination with zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT) to treat health-care workers or other individuals exposed to HIV infection after accidental contact with HIV-contaminated blood, tissues, or other body fluids.

Side Effects of Epivir

If you are using epivir, then discuss the side effects of epivir with your doctor and if you feel any develop or change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Side effects of epivir may include:

• Abdominal cramps and pains
• hives
• allergic reaction
• headache
• anemia
• hair loss
• chills
• general feeling of illness
• cough
• fever
• depression
• fatigue
• enlarged spleen
• diarrhea
• enlarged lymph nodes
• dizziness

Warnings and precautions before taking Epivir:

• If you have any diseases such as includes hepatitis B, kidney disease, or pancreas disease, then tell your doctor.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist If you are taking any prescription and nonprescription medications such as includes trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), and vitamins.
• If you develop dark urine, unusual fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, rapid breathing, drowsiness, muscle aches, or stomach/abdominal pain, then notify your doctor immediately.
• If you have both HIV and deterioration of liver disease, then lamivudine treatment is stopped and discuss any changes in your treatment and medicines with your doctor.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with epivir, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of epivir. So discuss with your doctor before combining epivir with the other drugs. You should tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medications that you are using especially of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, lamivudine/zidovudine combination product, abacavir and tenofovir, zalcitabine. Do not start or stop any medicine without talking with your doctor or pharmacistl.

Overdose

After taking epivir, if you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately. The symptoms of Epivir overdose are unknown at this time.