Epivir-HBV
Generic Epivir-HBV
show/hide product description 
Drug name
Epivir HBV (Lamivudine)
Drug Uses
Epivir- HBV is intended to treat chronic viral infection of the liver (hepatitis B). However it is a cure of the diseases. The drug only slows the process of virus growth.
How Taken
Take the drug orally and commonly one time a day or otherwise according to your doctor directions. It is permitted to take the drug throughout the meal as well as before or after it. Strictly follow the prescriptions. Don't change the dosage or the period of treatment unless your doctor says to do so. It is not clear what is the optimal duration of the drug. Contact your doctor in case you have any questions. Patients infected not only by hepatitis B but also by HIV should not be treated by this medication. It is recommended to pass HIV test before and throughout the therapy period to make sure the treatment is the proper one. You can experience the change of your condition throughout the treatment. Consult with your doctor about any new symptoms you experience at once.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Lamivudine (generic name for Epivir HBV) is an analogue of cytidine. It can inhibit both types (1 and 2) of HIV reverse transcriptase and also the reverse transcriptase of hepatitis B. It needs to be phosphorylated to its triphosphate form before it is active. 3TC-triphosphate also inhibits cellular DNA polymerase. Lamivudine is administered orally, and it is rapidly absorbed with a bio-availability of over 80%. Some research suggests that lamivudine can cross the blood-brain barrier. Lamivudine is often given in combination with zidovudine, with which it is highly synergistic. Lamivudine treatment has been shown to restore zidovudine sensitivity of previously resistant HIV. Several mutagenicity tests show that lamivudine should not show a mutagenic activity in therapeutical doses.
Missed Dose
In case you have forgotten to take the drug to it at the moment you have remembered however skip it in case it is the time for your next dosage and follow you regular schedule. Avoid taking two doses simultaneously.
Storage
US product: Keep the medication at the temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a dark and dry place. It is permitted to keep the drug at the temperature between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) for a short period of time. Keep the oral solution at the temperature between 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C).
Canadian product: keep the drug at the temperature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 and 30 degrees C) and the oral solution - between 59 to 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C). Store the medication in a place beyond the reach of children.
Warnings Precautions
Using the drug alone or in accordance with drug intended to treat HIV may cause such side effects as lactic acid build-up in the blood (lactic acidosis) and severe liver disease, including death. The patients that are being treated with Epivir-HBV should have HIV tests before and throughout the therapy period. And the use of the drug to treat patients with HIV may lead to resistant strains of HIV. Contact your doctor in case you have any additional. Let your doctor know your medical history and especially such points as: infection with HIV, kidney problems, liver problems, blood disorders, pancreas problems, alcohol use, allergies (especially drug allergies). Taking the drug may cause dizziness. Thus use it with caution when operating any machinery. Don't drink alcohol. Lamivudine liquids may include sugar thus it should be used with caution in diabetes patients. Diabetes patients will require monitor of the blood sugar level during the therapy period. Contact your doctor for more information. Children especially those experiencing pancreatitis may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. Thus they should take it with caution. This drug may be used throughout pregnancy in case it is clearly needed. Contact your doctor to discuss it. It is not reported that the drug affects anyhow the transmission of hepatitis B from mother to child. The medication appears I the breast milk and may have negative effect on the child. Avoid breast-feeding throughout the therapy period. Contact your doctor before taking the drug throughout the breast-feeding period.
Possible Side Effects
Taking the drug may cause: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or headache. Contact your doctor in case any of these side effects lasts for a long period of time or worsens. Tell your doctor in case you experience any of the following side effects: fatigue, sore throat, fever. Let your doctor know in case you experience: mental/mood changes, persistent or severe stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine. Contact your doctor at once in case you experience rapid breathing, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet. Allergic reactions for this drug are quite seldom but contact your doctor at once in case it takes place. Signs of the allergic reaction are: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. In case you experience any side effect not listed here let your doctor know about it.
More Information
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress. Keep all laboratory and medical appointments during and for several months after treatment.
Avoid sharing the drug with anyone. Lab and medical tests are required to check your condition. Avoid missing your medical appointments throughout the therapy as well as for several months after it.
$85.21
