Type of medicine: antiviral
Generic and brand names: lamivudine (HBV), oral; Epivir-HBV
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Changing your dosage on your own can make liver disease worse.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Suddenly stopping this medicine may cause severe liver problems.
This medicine comes in tablet or liquid forms. If you have the liquid, shake the medicine before each use. Measure the dose with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. You may take this medicine with or without food.
Do not let your medicine run out. The amount of virus in your blood may increase if you stop the medicine, even for a short time.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
You should be tested for HIV infection before taking this medicine and while taking this medicine. Epivir-HBV, used to treat hepatitis B, is a lower dose than Epivir, which is used to treat HIV. If you have an HIV infection and take Epivir-HBV, the HIV virus can become resistant to the drug, so that the Epivir is no longer effective.
You need to have lab tests regularly while you are taking this medicine and for several months after you stop taking it. Keep all appointments for these tests.
Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious problem that can occur with use of this medicine. Stop taking this medicine and contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop unexplained symptoms such as:
Tell the healthcare provider who prescribed this medicine if you develop any new symptoms or if you start taking any new medicine.
Alcohol may increase damage to the liver. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Ask your healthcare provider about this.
Treatment with this medicine may cause a change in the location of fat in your body. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Treatment with this medicine does not reduce the risk of infecting others with hepatitis B virus through sexual contact or blood contamination. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Adults over the age of 65 and young children may be at greater risk of side effects and may need lower dosages. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Diabetics: The liquid medicine contains sugar (sucrose). It may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse
Life threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care of call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, dark urine, muscle or joint pain, light-colored bowel movements, fast or irregular heartbeat, yellowing of your eyes or skin, sudden and severe stomach pain, numbness or pain in arms or legs.
Other: Headache; tiredness; trouble sleeping; dizziness; ear, nose, and throat infections; diarrhea; rash.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
