Lamivudine

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.

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

Lamivudine usually doesn’t affect your ability to drive.

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.

For treatment of HIV, Lamivudine is available in tablet and syrup forms that can be taken by mouthThe 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 convenienceIn 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 medicines cannot be usedIn case of severe liver damage where the liver has stopped operating (decompensated liver disease), Lamivudine must be used in combination with another medicineDo not have unprotected sex when you have HIV/ AIDS or Hepatitis B

HIV treatment can cause an increase in cholesterol and glucose levels in blood. Regular tests are required to monitor thisHIV/ 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 doctor of any symptoms that are making you uncomfortableHIV/ 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 seriousInform your doctor if you start feeling weak, pounding heartbeats (palpitations) or tremorsHIV 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 any aches or stiffness of joints.

Though 1-2 out of 100 cases of Hepatitis B infection can be cured, there is no definite cure for Hepatitis B or HIV/ AIDSBut, 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, provided he or she takes medicines every day