Lamivir – Lamivudine

WHAT IS LAMIVIR ?

Lamivir 150mg belongs to a class of medication called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It decreases the amount of virus (HIV and hepatitis) in the blood. It also increases the number of infection fighting cells in the body (CD4 cells). It does not cure HIV completely but reduces the chances of getting acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV related infections or cancer.

MEDICINE USES :

Cipla Lamivudine is for treating HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. It is for treating hepatitis B. It should not be used in people who are infected with both hepatitis B and HIV.

LAMIVUDINE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS :

diarrhea; cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat; or abnormal liver function tests.

Some people develop lactic acidosis while taking Lamivudine. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as:

    muscle pain or weakness; numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs; trouble breathing; feeling dizzy, light-headed, tired, or very weak;
    stomach pain, nausea with vomiting; or fast or uneven heart rate.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

    pancreas problems–severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate; or
    liver problems–nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

SAFETY INFORMATION (Precautions) for LAMIVIR LAMIVUDINE TABLETS :

    Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis, kidney problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), alcohol use.
    Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase your risk for liver problems and/or pancreatitis.
    Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the increased risk of pancreatitis.
    Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, caution is advised when using this drug in older adults because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
    During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
    Lamivir passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.

This is not a complete list. Ask your health care provider for more information.

MEDICATION STORAGE REQUIREMENTS :

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

DRUG INTERACTIONS :

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.