| Epivir is used in combination with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lamivudine is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Lamivudine does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people. Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) is used to treat hepatitis B infection. Lamivudine is in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It works by stopping the spread of the HIV and hepatitis B viruses. |
| What is the dosage of the medicine? |
The recommended dosage of Epivir is 150 mg twice a day. There is also a 300 mg once a day formulation. Epivir is available in a syrup form for children. Epivir can be taken with or without food. There are also two new pills that combines Epivir with other nucleoside analog drugs, making it easier to take. Combivir combines 150mg of Epivir with 300mg of zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir). Trizivir contains the above plus 300 mg of abacavir (Ziagen). People who are allergic to abacavir should not take Trizivir.
|
| Epivir has few side-effects, mainly nausea, vomiting, headaches, and rare cases of hair loss. Although not as commonly as with some other anti-HIV drugs, Epivir can cause damage to the nerves in the hands and feet. This condition is called peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are burning or numbing sensations in the hands and feet which can become very painful. If Epivir causes this problem, it may be necessary to switch to another anti-HIV drug to prevent permanent nerve damage. See The Simple Fact Sheet "Peripheral Neuropathy" for other treatment options which might be helpful. (10/26/06)Epivir can cause a side effect called pancreatitis, especially in children. Pancreatitis is a dangerous swelling of an organ in the body called the pancreas. People taking Epivir should be carefully monitored for this side effect. |
What are the warnings for using the medicine? |
| A set of rare but serious side effects of nucleoside analog anti-HIV drugs is called lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis (an enlarged fatty liver). Women, especially those who are oveweight, are particularly at risk. This set of side effects is probably the result of mitochondrial toxicity. Mitochondria are cell's power organs that supply the energy needed for normal cell growth. Anti-HIV nucleoside analogs impair the function of mitochondria. This can lead to increased acid levels in the blood, and an enlarged fatty liver. The symptoms are severe nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting that does not get better. If you are taking anti-HIV drugs and experience these symptoms, tell your provider immediately.If you're going to use Epivir, it's important to check for infection with hepatitis B. If you have active hepatitis B when you start Epivir, you may feel sick for a month or two because liver cells infected with hepatitis B die off. Liver enzymes may also increase temporarily. These symptoms are a lot like some drug side effects, and knowing your hepatitis status can help tell the difference. There have also been several reports of hepatitis B flare-ups when Epivir treatment is stopped. Symptoms of hepatitis B flare-ups are high liver enzymes, yellow skin (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal and joint pain. |
| What are the precautions while using this medicine? |
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits .
Do not take any other medicines without checking with your doctor first . To do so may increase the chance of side effects from lamivudine.
If you have both HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, deterioration of liver disease has occurred when lamivudine treatment is stopped. Discuss any changes in your treatment and medicines with your doctor.
HIV may be acquired from or spread to other people through infected body fluids, including blood, vaginal fluid, or semen. If you are infected, it is best to avoid any sexual activity involving an exchange of body fluids with other people. If you do have sex, always wear (or have your partner wear) a condom (“rubber”) . Only use condoms made of latex, and use them every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex .The use of a spermicide (such as nonoxynol-9) may also help prevent transmission of HIV if it is not irritating to the vagina, rectum, or mouth. Spermicides have been shown to kill HIV in lab tests. Do not use oil-based jelly, cold cream, baby oil, or shortening as a lubricant—these products can cause the condom to break. Lubricants without oil, such as K-Y Jelly , are recommended. Women may wish to carry their own condoms. Birth control pills and diaphragms will help protect against pregnancy, but they will not prevent someone from giving or getting the AIDS virus. If you inject drugs , get help to stop. Do not share needles or equipment with anyone . In some cities, more than half of the drug users are infected, and sharing even 1 needle or syringe can spread the virus. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional. |
|
