What is Epivir HBV?
Epivir The HBV virus is an antiviral drug that prevents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or the hepatitis B virus in the body from growing within your body.Epivir is used to treat HIV in both children and adults aged 3 or more months. HIV is the most common virus that can trigger acquired immunodeficiency disorder (AIDS). Epivir is not an effective treatment for HIV or AIDS.Epivir-HBV is used to treat hepatitis B in children and adults aged 2 or more years. Epivir-HBV is not recommended for people with both hepatitis B and HIV.Epivir HBV could be used for other purposes not covered in this medication guideline.
Side effects of Epivir HBV
Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.The symptoms of mild lactic acidosis can get worse as time passes and may be fatal. Contact a medical professional immediately in the event of uncharacteristic muscle pain or breathing problems. stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, nausea, experiencing a cold, or feeling extremely tired or weak.Epivir HBV may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately in the event that you experience:
- Pancreas issues: severe discomfort in your stomach, which then spreads into your back, sickness, vomiting, high heartbeat,
- Liver issues: swelling around your midsection. Right-sided stomach pain, weight loss, dark urine, a stool that is colored with clay, and jaundice (yellowing of your eyes or skin)
Epivir HBV can affect the immune system and could cause some adverse effects (even months or weeks after you've had Epivir HBV). Inform your doctor if you experience:
- Indications of a new infection: fever, night sweats, swollen glands, sores from a cold, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking; difficulties with balance; weak or prickly sensation; trouble swallowing; balance or eye movement problems;
- Swelling in your throat or neck (enlarged thyroid), menstrual cycles, impotence
Common adverse consequences of Epivir HBV could include:
- Nausea, diarrhea;
- Headache;
- Fever, tiredness, or general ill feeling;
- Ailment in the ear: pain in the ear or fullness; difficulty hearing or hearing loss; discharge from the ear; a flutter in children;
- Throat or nose infection -- stuffy nose, sneezing, painful throat cough.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your physician immediately if any adverse effects occur, and report any reactions directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Biktarvy, Descovy, Truvada, Tenofovir, Entecavir, Zidovudine, and Emtricitabine
Cautions
It is not recommended to use Epivir HBV (for treating hepatitis B) in conjunction with other medicines that contain Epivir HBV as well as Emtricitabine.Epivir HBV can have severe or even life-threatening problems for the pancreas or liver. Consult your doctor immediately in the event of intense discomfort in your stomach that is spreading to your back, nausea or loss of appetite, dark stools, a clay-colored urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).If you've had any experience with hepatitis B and it becomes active or worsens when you stop taking Epivir HBV, It is possible that you will require regular liver function tests over time.A hepatitis B virus could develop resistance to treatment when you're taking Epivir-HBV. The hepatitis B virus that is resistant to treatment can cause a deterioration of the liver condition or even death. Consult your physician if you notice any new signs of hepatitis.
Prior to using this drug
It is not recommended to use Epivir HBV if you are allergic to it.It is not recommended to take Epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B) when you have other medications that contain Epivir-HBV, also known as emtricitabine, which include Atripla Biktar Cim Duo, Combivir, Complera, Descovy, Emtriva, Epzicom, Genvoya, Odefsey Stribild Symfi Triumeq Trizivir and Truvada.
Inform your physician immediately if you have ever experienced symptoms related to:
- 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 Epivir HBV contains 3–4 grams of sucrose in each dosage).
There is a chance that you will be diagnosed with a condition known as lactic acidosis. It's an extremely dangerous accumulation of lactic acid in your blood. It is more likely if you suffer from any other medical condition, if you've been taking HIV medication for a prolonged period of time, or if you are female. Consult your physician regarding your chances of being at risk.
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 child if the virus is not managed while pregnant. Your name may be included on a registry in order to monitor the effects of antiviral medication on your baby.
Do not breastfeed if you're taking Epivir HBV for treatment of hepatitis B. Women who have HIV or AIDS shouldn't breastfeed their babies. Even if your baby is not born with HIV, it is possible that the virus will be transmitted to your baby through breast milk.
How do I take Epivir HBV?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instructions. Make sure you take the medication according to the directions. Do not use epivir (for the treatment of HIV) in conjunction with epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B).You can take Epivir HBV in combination with or without eating.Epivir dosages for HBV are determined by the weight of children. The dose requirements of your child could be altered if the child loses or gains weight. Children who weigh more than 30 pounds (14 kilograms) must use the tablet version of lamivudine, if it is available. This medicine liquid might not be as efficient.It is possible to cut the Epivir tablet into two pieces when you give Epivir HBV to children to treat HIV. Contact your physician for advice if your child has difficulties taking the tablet.
Take care when measuring liquid medicines. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or a dose-measuring device (not an ordinary spoon).Epivir is the brand that has been used. The Epivir version has an increased dose of lamivudine compared to the Epivir-HBV brand. Epivir is used to treat HIV, and Epivir-HBV is used to treat hepatitis B. Every time you receive the medication in a refill make sure that you've received the correct brand of medication to treat your disease.You'll need regular medical tests, and that includes regular HIV tests. If you are diagnosed with HIV while using Epivir HBV in order to cure Hepatitis B, HIV could develop resistance to antiviral drugs if not treated immediately.There is a chance that the hepatitis B virus is susceptible to mutation when you take Epivir-HBV and could be intolerant to the treatment. Resilient hepatitis B may cause liver damage to get worse, or even death. Inform your physician if you notice any new or worsening symptoms.Utilize all HIV medications according to the directions, and carefully read the drug guides you are given. Do not alter your dosage or schedule of dosing without the advice of your physician. Everyone suffering from HIV must remain under the supervision of a physician.Keep the bottle at room temperature, far from heat and moisture. Close the bottle when not being used.If you've had hepatitis B, this infection could become active or worse following the time you stop taking Epivir HBV. It's possible to require regular liver function tests when taking this 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 your missed dosage if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.Make sure you refill your prescription before the expiration date of your medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
Avoid this
Do not take other medicines that contain an ingredient known as sorbitol, which is often employed as a sweetener in liquid medications. Consult your pharmacist if you aren't sure whether a drug contains this ingredient.
Utilizing Epivir HBV does not stop the spread of your illness. Don't engage in sexual activity that is not protected or share toothbrushes, razors, or razors. Discuss with your physician ways to protect yourself from HIV transmission through sex. Sharing needles for medicine or drugs is never a good idea, even for a healthy individual.
Interaction with other drug
Other medications may impact Epivir HBV. Moreover, certain medications should not be taken in conjunction. Discuss with your doctor all the medications you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbs. The interactions between these products are not included in this list.
