What is Epivir?
Epivir is an antiviral medication which prevents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or the hepatitis B virus multiplying within your body.Epivir is used to treat HIV in children and adults aged 3 or more months. HIV is the most common virus and can trigger acquired immunodeficiency disorder (AIDS). Lamivudine does not provide an effective treatment of HIV as well as AIDS.Epivir-HBV treats Hepatitis B for adults and children aged 2 or more years. It is not recommended for those who are infected with both Hepatitis B as well as HIV.
Side effects of Epivir
See a doctor immediately. If you exhibit symptoms of an allergy reaction, such as hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Mild signs of lactic acidosis could get worse as time passes and could cause death. Take immediate medical assistance in the event of: uncharacteristic muscle pain, difficulty breathing or stomach pains, vomiting, irregular heart rate, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or weakness.
Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Pancreas disorders The pain is intense in your stomach and spreads into the back of your body; vomiting and nausea; a fast heart rate;
- Liver issues swelling of the midsection area, left-sided stomach discomfort, and lack of appetite dark urine, black or jaundice, or stools that are clay-colored (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Lamivudine impacts your immune system and could cause some adverse reactions (even months or weeks after taking this medication). Consult your physician if you suffer from:
- Indications of an infection that is new, like fever, night sweats, glands that are swollen, cold sores, cough, wheezing, vomiting, or weight loss;
- Difficulties swallowing or speaking; difficulties with balance, eye movement, or weak or prickly feelings;
- Swelling in your throat or neck (enlarged thyroid), menstrual cycles, impotence
Common Epivir adverse effects could include:
- Nausea, diarrhea;
- Headache;
- Fever, tiredness, or general ill feeling;
- Ear infection ear pain or sensation of fullness; hearing problems discharge from the ear, a fright in a child;
- Throat or nose infection: a nose that is stuffed, sneezing, painful throat cough
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Cautions
It is recommended not to use Epivir HBV (for treating hepatitis B) in conjunction with other medicines that contain lamivudine or the drug emtricitabine. It comprises Atripla, Combivir, Complera, Emtriva, Epzicom, Stribild, Trizivir, and Truvada.Epivir could trigger a dangerous health condition known as lactic acidosis, which is a serious accumulation of lactic acid inside your blood. Consult your physician or seek medical attention immediately when you experience an unusually painful muscle, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling fatigued or weak.Epivir may also trigger severe or life-threatening consequences for your pancreas and liver. Contact your physician immediately in the event of intense discomfort in your stomach, which is extending into the back of your body, vomiting, hunger, dark urine, yellowish stool, as well as jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
If you've ever suffered from hepatitis B or C, it could be active or worsen when you stop taking Epivir. It is possible that you will require regular liver function tests over time.It is possible that the hepatitis B virus could be resistant to treatment if you're being treated with Epivir, a HBV-like drug. Hepatitis B resistance can cause the deterioration of liver disease or even death. Inform your physician if you notice any new signs of hepatitis.
Prior to using this drug
You shouldn't use Epivir when you are allergic to lamivudine.It is recommended not to use Epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B) in the event that you use a different medicine that has lamivudine or emtricitabine. This includes Atripla Biktar Cim Duo, Combivir, Complera, Descovy, Emtriva, Epzicom, Genvoya, Odefsey, Stribild, Symfi, Triumeq, Trizivir, and Truvada.
Notify your physician immediately if you have ever experienced:
- Liver disease (especially liver disease, particularly hepatitis B or C), or liver transplants (especially hepatitis B or C, or liver transplant);
- Pancreatitis;
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes (liquid lamivudine has 3–4 grams of sucrose for each dosage)
There is a chance that you will be diagnosed with a condition known as lactic acidosis. It's a risky buildup of acid in your blood. This is likely if you suffer from any other medical condition, if you've been taking HIV medications for a long period of time, or if you are female. Talk to your doctor about the risks.Inform your doctor if you are expecting a baby, and make sure you use your medication correctly to prevent an infection. HIV could be transmitted to your baby if the virus is not managed while pregnant. Your name may be recorded in a registry that tracks the effects of antiviral medications on your baby.Breastfeeding is not recommended when you are taking lamivudine to treat hepatitis B. Women suffering from HIV or AIDS are not allowed to breastfeed their babies. Even if your baby is not born with HIV or AIDS, the virus can be transmitted to your baby through breast milk.
How do I take Epivir?
Consume Epivir exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Also, go through all medication guides and instructions sheets. Make sure you take the medicine according to the instructions. Do not use epivir (for treatment of HIV) in combination with epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B).It is possible to take this medication either with or without food.Lamivudine dosages are based on the weight of children. The dosage requirements for your child may alter if your child gains and/or loses weight. Children weighing over 30 pounds (14 kilograms) must use tablets if it is feasible. The liquid form might not be as efficient.You might need to break a tablet in half before giving this medication to a child suffering from HIV. Contact your physician for advice if your child has difficulty taking the tablet.Make sure to measure the liquid medicine with care. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or a dosage measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).Epivir is the brand that has been used. The Epivir label comes with more lamivudine than the Epivir-HBV brand. Epivir is used to treat HIV, and Epivir-HBV is used to treat the condition known as hepatitis B. Every time you receive the medication in a refill, make sure that you've been given the right brand to treat your disease.
You'll require regular medical examinations, including regular HIV tests. If you contract HIV while you're using lamivudine to treat hepatitis B, HIV may become resistant to antiviral medications if it is not addressed immediately.Hepatitis B virus is susceptible to mutation when you take Epivir, a form of HBV, and could be resistant to treatment. The hepatitis B virus that is resistant to treatment can cause the deterioration of liver disease or even death. Consult your doctor if you notice any new or worsening symptoms.Utilize all HIV medications according to the directions and follow the medication guidelines you are given. Don't alter your dosage or schedule of dosing without consulting your physician. Everyone suffering from HIV must remain under the supervision of a physician.Keep the bottle at room temperature, free of heat and moisture. Close the bottle when not being used.If you've had hepatitis B, the virus can become active or worse after stopping using Epivir. It is possible that you will require regular liver function tests when taking the medication, as well as for a period of time following the last dose.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take any missed doses if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.Refill your prescription prior to the expiration date of your medication.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
Avoid this
Do not take other medicines that contain a chemical called sorbitol that is often used to sweeten liquid medications. Talk to your pharmacist if you are unsure whether a medication contains this ingredient.Lamivudine does not stop the spread of your illness. Be sure to protect yourself from sexual contact or share toothbrushes, razors, or razors. Consult your doctor regarding safe methods to avoid HIV transmission during sexual contact. Sharing needles with medicine or drugs is not safe for healthy people.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs may be incompatible with lamivudine, and certain drugs shouldn't be taken in conjunction with each other. Discuss with your doctor your current medications and any medication you begin or stop taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. There are not all the interactions mentioned here.
