Lamivudine

💊 What is Lamivudine used for?

• •The label says this tablet treats chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with evidence of hepatitis B viral replication and active liver inflammation. The label says it is not approved to treat HIV-1 infection. It has not been studied in people who also have HIV, hepatitis C, or hepatitis delta virus, in liver transplant recipients, or in people with decompensated (severely damaged) liver disease. The label also says it is not known to be safe and effective in children under 2 years old with chronic HBV.

How it works

The label describes lamivudine as a synthetic nucleoside analogue with activity against HBV. The label excerpt provided does not explain its effects in more detail.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says lamivudine tablets (HBV) may be taken with or without food. The tablet is taken by mouth. The label says doses depend on age, body weight, and kidney function, so the amount is set by your prescriber. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist. Children who need a lower amount or who cannot swallow tablets may be prescribed the oral solution instead.

Comes as

• •Tablets: 100 mg, pink, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablets, marked with '37' on one side and 'I' on the other
• •The label also mentions an oral solution for some pediatric patients (not described in detail in this label)

⚠️ Lamivudine side effects

🛑 Who should not take Lamivudine, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have had a previous allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction to lamivudine
• 🚨You are taking other medicines that contain lamivudine or emtricitabine. The label says lamivudine tablets (HBV) should not be used with these.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your prescriber if you have or might have HIV. The label says HIV testing should be offered before starting and during treatment.
• •Tell your prescriber about kidney problems, since the label says doses must be adjusted based on kidney function.
• •Tell your prescriber about all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products you use.
• •Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
• •Do not stop this medicine without first telling your healthcare provider. The label warns that stopping can cause severe liver flare-ups.
• •The label says treatment has not been shown to reduce the risk of spreading HBV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination.

🔀 Lamivudine with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Sorbitol-containing medicines (prescription or over-the-counter): The label says these may lower lamivudine levels. The label advises avoiding chronic use when possible, and considering more frequent monitoring of HBV viral load if it cannot be avoided.
• •Trimethoprim and other drugs cleared by the kidneys through the same transport system: The label says interactions are possible and should be considered.
• •Medicines that contain lamivudine or emtricitabine: The label says they should not be used together with this medicine.
• •The label asks patients to report any prescription, non-prescription, or herbal products to their healthcare provider.

Alcohol and food

The label says lamivudine tablets (HBV) may be taken with or without food. The label does not give information about alcohol.

🤰 Lamivudine in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label describes a pregnancy exposure registry (Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry, 1-800-258-4263) that tracks pregnancy outcomes. The label says registry data show no substantial difference in overall major birth defect risk compared with the background rate, but most women in the registry were treated for HIV at higher doses. The label says the rate of miscarriage with lamivudine is unknown. Talk with your prescriber about pregnancy plans.

Breastfeeding

The label does not say.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), at controlled room temperature. Keep in a well-closed, light-resistant container.

If a dose is missed

The label says to take a missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not double your next dose or take more than the prescribed dose. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you have questions.

If too much is taken

The label says there is no known specific treatment for an overdose. If an overdose happens, the person should be monitored and given standard supportive treatment as needed. The label says only a negligible amount of lamivudine was removed by dialysis, so it is not known whether continuous hemodialysis would help.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Lamivudine

• Why do I need an HIV test before starting this medicine, and how often will I be tested?
• What liver tests will I need, and how long after stopping will they continue?
• Am I taking any medicines or supplements with sorbitol, and do they affect this medicine?
• Does my kidney function affect how this medicine is dosed for me?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• What symptoms should make me call you right away?
• Can I take this medicine if I am pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

❓ Lamivudine: frequently asked questions