What is Lamivudine used for
- Lamivudine is a medication used in adult patients for the treatment of Hepatitis B; a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can be used by patients with compensated liver disease (liver is still functioning normally) and decompensated liver disease (liver is not functioning normally).
- Do not take Lamivudine
- If you are allergic to Lamivudine or any of the ingredients in this medicine. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
Warnings and Precautions
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you develop allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, skin rash, swelling of the face or neck, decreased blood pressure, and dizziness.
• This medication may cause worsening of your liver infection upon its discontinuation. Therefore, your doctor may recommend periodic monitoring of your clinical status and your liver enzyme levels for a minimum period of four months and then as needed.
• Your doctor may ask for regular laboratory measurements to assess how you are responding to the medication.
• Make sure to tell your doctor if you have a concomitant infection with HIV; a virus that can make your immunity weak and prone to infections.
• This medication may not decrease your chance of transmitting the virus to others, therefore, make sure to take precautionary measures such as avoiding direct contact with others’ fluids or blood, not sharing needles, not donating blood, and using condoms with sexual partners.
Possible side effects of Lamivudine
Side effects of Lamivudine include allergic reactions, ALT elevations (increase in liver enzymes), rash and itching, muscle pain and cramps, malaise, fatigue, respiratory tract infections, throat and tonsil discomfort, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Other medicines and Lamivudine
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medications.
• If you are taking cladribine (used to treat cancer).
• If you are taking medications containing Lamivudine or Emtricitabine (used to treat HIV).
• If you are taking medications containing Sorbitol.
How to take Lamivudine
- Adults:
The recommended dose is 100mg once daily. An oral solution should be used if you have severe kidney impairment requiring lower doses. Consult your doctor if you have kidney problems.
• Take with or without food.
• Take a tablet with a full glass of water.
How to store Lamivudine
• Store tablets below 30°C
• Store oral solution below 25°C
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Do not use beyond the expiry date mentioned on the box
• Discard oral solution after 1 month of opening it
• Keep the medication in its original packaging to protect it from moisture
• Do not use damaged pills
• Do not dispose of pills in the wastewater or household waste
