Lamivudine
Information about Lamivudine
Lamivudine uses
Lamivudine is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
How lamivudine works
Lamivudine is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.
Common side effects of lamivudine
Headache, Fever, Cough, Fatigue, Joint pain, Low blood platelets, Pancreatic inflammation, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Gastrointestinal disturbance, Rash, Hair loss, Muscle disorders, General discomfort, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Increased liver enzymes, Lactic acidosis, Rhabdomyolysis, Pure red cell aplasia, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Elevated levels of serum amylase, Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin)
Available Medicine for Lamivudine
Expert advice for Lamivudine
- You have been prescribed Lamivudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- In combination with other medicines, it is used for the treatment of HIV infections.
- Take it with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body.
- Lamivudine may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with viral infection while taking this medication.
- You can also pass on HIV or HBV to others. Don't share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
- During treatment and for at least six months after stopping this medicine, regular blood tests are needed to monitor your liver function, level of hepatitis B virus and blood cells in your blood.
Frequently asked questions for Lamivudine
Lamivudine
Q. How should I take Lamivudine?
Lamivudine should be taken in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, it is better to take it at a fixed time of the day to avoid the chances of missing a dose.
Q. Is Lamivudine effective?
Lamivudine is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Lamivudine too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. What is drug resistance? Can I develop drug resistance with Lamivudine?
Drug resistance is a state where the medicine which was once effective in treating an infection becomes ineffective. This mainly happens due to the ability acquired by the virus or bacteria to get modified inside the body which affects the overall working of the medicine. Hence, the medicine is no longer able to fight against the virus or bacteria. Generally, drug resistance with Lamivudine is more likely to happen if you take less dose than what is recommended.