Lamivudine

By /

    • What type of medicine is this?

    • It is a type of drug that reduces the virus's ability from making more copies of itself and to spread in your body.

      Lamivudine can be used to treat two different viral infections, HIV and hepatitis B virus infection. It may be given in combination with other antiviral drugs that your healthcare provider considers suitable.

    • What is the medicine used for?

    • Lamivudine is an antiretroviral medicine that treats viral infections like HIV or hepatitis. Your healthcare provider may use lamivudine to treat you for viral liver disease in combination with other antiviral medicines. Or alongside other antiretroviral medications in the treatment of HIV. Lamivudine is a prescription-only medicine.

    • How to take this medicine?

      • Lamivudine comes in tablet or as a liquid to be taken by mouth with or without food.
      • In case you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember but if you remember at a time close to your next dose, then take only the next dose.
      • Do not add more doses or intentionally skip a dose.
      • If you accidentally take more of this medicine than what was prescribed for you, go to the nearest healthcare provider with the remaining medicine and report an overdose.

    • What are the side-effects?

    • You may experience mildly uncomfortable effects of this medicine. They will usually go away within 2 to 3 days.
      Here are some examples of some common side-effects you may experience:

      • You may feel pain in your stomach.
      • You may feel like your entire body is weak.
      • Your stomach may feel like it is always full.
      • You may feel like vomiting and vomit.
      • You may experience some breathing problems.
      • Your urine colour may become darker.

      The above is not a complete list of side-effects. However, if these do not resolve within 7 days, you should mention these or other uncomfortable effects to your healthcare provider.

    • What to know before taking this medicine?

    • Inform your healthcare provider if you have any other conditions. This will help them check your risk for any severe unpleasant effects. Also:

      • Do not take lamivudine if you had an allergic drug reaction to it before, like a skin rash that went away when you stopped taking it.
      • You should consult your healthcare provider if you (plan to) become pregnant while taking this drug.
      • You should also tell your healthcare provider if you have any liver or kidney disease.