Tried or prescribed Lamivudine? Share your experience.
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(la MI vyoo deen)
U.S. Brand Names
Epivir-HBV®; Epivir®
Canadian Brand Names
3TC®; Heptovir®
Mexican Brand Names
3TC
Pharmacologic Category
Antiretroviral Agent, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (Nucleoside)
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
• Hepatitis may worsen if this medicine is stopped. Close monitoring is needed when therapy is stopped. HIV testing may be suggested. Unrecognized or untreated HIV infection may be tough to treat after taking this medicine.
• This medicine may cause liver damage and a change in the acid levels in the blood. Closely review the section in this leaflet which lists when to call healthcare provider. Pregnancy, obesity, and/or prolonged therapy may increase the risk.
• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.
Reasons not to take this medicine
• If you have an allergy to lamivudine or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
How does it work?
• Lamivudine works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
• In HIV treatment, this medicine is usually taken with two other medicines.
• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose, brand, or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What should I monitor?
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.
How should I store this medicine?
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Created: 2005-04-07 16:53:15.0
Modified: 2010-03-09 08:23:07.0
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