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Lamivudine
INFORMATION ABOUT LAMIVUDINE
Lamivudine Uses
Lamivudine is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
How Lamivudine works
Lamivudine is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.
Common side effects of Lamivudine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Headache, Fever, Cough, Fatigue, Joint pain, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Gastrointestinal disturbance, Rash, Hair loss, Muscle disorders, General discomfort
CONTENT DETAILS
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Last updated
17 Jun 2020 | 05:05 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Lamivudine
Expert advice for Lamivudine
- You have been prescribed Lamivudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- In combination with other medicines, it is used for the treatment of HIV infections.
- Take it with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body.
- Lamivudine may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with viral infection while taking this medication.
- You can also pass on HIV or HBV to others. Don't share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
- During treatment and for at least six months after stopping this medicine, regular blood tests are needed to monitor your liver function, level of hepatitis B virus and blood cells in your blood.
Frequently asked questions for Lamivudine
Lamivudine should be taken in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, it is better to take it at a fixed time of the day to avoid the chances of missing a dose.
Lamivudine is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Lamivudine too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Drug resistance is a state where the medicine which was once effective in treating an infection becomes ineffective. This mainly happens due to the ability acquired by the virus or bacteria to get modified inside the body which affects the overall working of the medicine. Hence, the medicine is no longer able to fight against the virus or bacteria. Generally, drug resistance with Lamivudine is more likely to happen if you take less dose than what is recommended.
Do not stop taking entecavir without consulting your doctor. Stopping entecavir before treatment may worsen your hepatitis. This can happen during the first several months after you stop taking entecavir. Take the medicine strictly as advised and do not miss any dose.
If you forget a dose of Lamivudine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
In HBV patients who are diagnosed with HIV, Lamivudine is not recommended until and unless these patients start taking medicines for HIV management. Starting Lamivudine in such patients may cause resistance to the prescribed HIV medicines. Therefore, doctors recommend tests for HIV in patients diagnosed with HBV infection before starting treatment with Lamivudine.
No, Lamivudine does not cure hepatitis B but may improve the condition of the liver. It may decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) present in the body. This is done by limiting the ability of HBV to multiply and further infect new liver cells.
Lamivudine is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.