Lamivudine

Molecule Description

Lamivudine is a medicine used to control certain complicated viral infections s

uch as HIV/ AIDS and Hepatitis B in combination with other medicines. This medicine is classified as an ‘antiviral.’

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Lamivudine

Lamivudine is used along with other medications to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in adults and children
This medicine is also used to treat viral infection of the liver, but only at a lower dose (Hepatitis B infection), which is not severe (compensated liver disease) or which is very critical (decompens...
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Contraindications of Lamivudine

When should one not use Lamivudine

Allergy to Lamivudine or any other components of the medicine.

Side effects of Lamivudine

Common side effects of this drug are:

Headache, feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, generalized discomfort
Stomach pain, loose motions
Fever, muscle and joint pains
Cough, running nose
Rashes, hair loss
Difficulty in sleeping
Decreased red blood cell counts (anemia), platelets (thrombocytopenia) or a type of white blood cells (neutropenia), elevated liver enzymes
Severe allergic reactions causing facial and throat swelling, difficulty in swallowing and breathing with or without rashes, itching; infections of the pancreas; breakdown of muscle; enlarged liver

Precautions and Warnings of Lamivudine

Pregnancy

Can I take Lamivudine during pregnancy?

Lamivudine has the potential to harm the unborn baby, though not significantly. Since HIV is a severe condition which requires treatment to be continued (stopping the medication will cause the virus to multiply rapidly), it is usually given in pregnant women. Discuss with your doctor in detail before using.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Lamivudine while breastfeeding?

Women detected with HIV-positive must not breastfeed
A small amount of this medicine is secreted in breast milk

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Lamivudine?

Lamivudine usually doesn’t affect your ability to drive.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Lamivudine?

Consuming alcohol when you have HIV can lead to bone damage (osteonecrosis) in some patients. It is better to avoid alcohol as the general condition of the body in HIV/ AIDS is not good.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have or had any liver or kidney disease in the past
You are obese/ overweight (women need to be more careful)
You or your child have kidney problems

Mode of Action of Lamivudine

How Does It Work?

Lamivudine works by interfering with multiplication or replication of the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the virus; this will reduce the virus load in the blood and will bring the infection under co...

Interactions of Lamivudine

Interactions with other medicines

If you regularly take medicines containing Sorbitol or other sugar alcohols (Xylitol, Mannitol, Lactitol, Maltitol)
Other medicines containing Lamivudine or a closely related medicine used to treat HIV/ AIDS (Emtricitabine)
Co-trimoxazole (antibiotic) or Cladribine (used to treat a type of white blood cell cancer)

Interactions with food items

Lamivudine can be taken with or without meals.

Dietary Restrictions of Lamivudine

No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Dosage of Lamivudine

Overdose

Unintentional overdose with Lamivudine may not be harmful. Seek medical attention if you feel uncomfortable following the overdose.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is too late. But, do not take a higher or a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Ravi Kakarla

MBBS, MBA

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there anything else I need to know before taking Lamivudine?

For treatment of HIV, Lamivudine is available in tablet and syrup forms that can be taken by mouth
The syrup can be used in children above three months of age and in adults who are not comfortable taking the tablet. Patients can also switch between the syrup and the tablet, based on convenience
In Hepatitis B, treatment with Lamivudine can be given alone in liver disease where the liver is damaged but still functioning (a condition called compensated liver disease), only when first-line medi...
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In case of severe liver damage where the liver has stopped operating (decompensated liver disease), Lamivudine must be used in combination with another medicine
Do not have unprotected sex when you have HIV/ AIDS or Hepatitis B

Q: Is HIV treatment safe?

HIV treatment can cause an increase in cholesterol and glucose levels in blood. Regular tests are required to monitor this
HIV/ AIDS will cause a lot of symptoms, which are similar to the side effects caused due to the medicines used in the treatment. It is not easy to distinguish, and you are advised to inform your docto...
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HIV/ AIDS weakens your immune system. When you start the treatment, control of the virus may cause your immune system to recover, leading to overreaction in some cases, which can be serious
Inform your doctor if you start feeling weak, pounding heartbeats (palpitations) or tremors
HIV treatment can also damage your bones, creating a condition called osteonecrosis causing permanent damage to bones and severe, disabling joint pains. Inform your doctor promptly if you experience a...
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Q: Does Lamivudine cure HIV or Hepatitis B?

Though 1-2 out of 100 cases of Hepatitis B infection can be cured, there is no definite cure for Hepatitis B or HIV/ AIDS
But, it is not a cause to worry anymore. With the currently available medicines, both the infections can be kept under control for a very long time, and the patient can lead a normal life like others,...
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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer

The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.