Epivir (Lamivudine Tablets)

Epivir (Lamivudine Tablets) is used along with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Epivir (Lamivudine Tablets) is used to treat hepatitis B infection. Lamivudine is in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It works by decreasing the amount of HIV and hepatitis B in the blood. Although lamivudine does not cure HIV, it may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other life-style changes may decrease the risk of transmitting (spreading) the HIV virus to other people.

Epivir (Lamivudine Tablets) used

Lamivudine comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. Epivir (Lamivudine Tablets) is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day). Epivir (Lamivudine Tablets) is usually taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lamivudine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take lamivudine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lamivudine without talking to your doctor. Lamivudine is also used sometimes in combination with zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT) to treat healthcare workers or other individuals exposed to HIV infection after accidental contact with HIV-contaminated blood, tissues, or other body fluids. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Epivir if you are allergic to lamivudine.

You should not take Epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B) if you also take other medicine that contains lamivudine or emtricitabine, which includes:

·         Atripla (efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir);

·         Combivir (lamivudine and zidovudine);

·         Complera (rilpivirine, emtricitabine, and tenofovir);

·         Emtriva (emtricitabine);

·         Epzicom (abacavir and lamivudine);

·         Stribild (cobicistat, elvitegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir);

·         Trizivir (abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine); and

·         Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir).

To make sure Epivir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

·         liver disease (especially hepatitis B if you are being treated for HIV), or if you had a liver transplant;

·         kidney disease;

·         pancreatitis; or

·         if you used any HIV/AIDS medicine in the past.