Last Updated on April 18, 2025 by admin
Lamivir HBV Tablet – OVERVIEW
Lamivir HBV Tablet is used in the treatment of HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.
Lamivir HBV Tablet is not a cure for HIV or AIDS and only helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body. This helps to lower your risk of getting HIV-related complications and improves your lifespan. It is prescribed in combination with other HIV medicines. Your doctor will recommend the best medicines for you and will decide the doses that you need.
Follow carefully the instructions for all the medicines that you are given. It can be taken with or without food. Taking all these medicines regularly at the right times greatly increases their effectiveness and reduces the chances of HIV becoming resistant to them. It is important not to miss doses and to keep taking them until your doctor tells you it is safe to stop.
Common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and rash. These are usually not serious but tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away. Rarely, some people may experience a skin reaction or liver damage. Your doctor will closely monitor you for these in the initial period of treatment.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any skin problems or liver or kidney disease. While using it, you may need regular blood tests to check your blood counts and liver function. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver damage. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using this medicine. Do not have unprotected sex or share personal items like razors or toothbrushes, if you are HIV positive. Talk to your doctor about safe ways like condoms to prevent HIV transmission during sex.
USES OF Lamivir HBV TABLET
BENEFITS OF Lamivir HBV TABLET
- In Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
In patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, Lamivir HBV Tablet works by preventing the HBV virus from multiplying in the body. It helps control the infection and makes the immune system work better. This lowers the chances of getting complications and improves the quality of life. This medicine is always taken in combination with other antiretroviral medicines. It is not a cure and should neither be used to prevent HBV infection. It is important that you take this medicine as prescribed, following the dosage recommended by your doctor. Taking all doses in the right amount at the right times greatly increases the effectiveness of the medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS OF Lamivir HBV TABLET
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Lamivir HBV
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Rash
HOW TO USE Lamivir HBV TABLET
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Lamivir HBV Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW Lamivir HBV TABLET WORKS
Lamivir HBV Tablet 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.
SAFETY ADVICE
warnings
Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Lamivir HBV Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Lamivir HBV Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Lamivir HBV Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
warnings
Driving
SAFE
Lamivir HBV Tablet does not usually affect your ability to drive.
warnings
Kidney
CAUTION
Lamivir HBV Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Lamivir HBV Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Lamivir HBV Tablet is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Lamivir HBV Tablet is recommended.
CHILDREN CAUTION
UNSAFE
Lamivir HBV Tablet is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years.
Habit Forming (Lamivir HBV Tablet)
The Lamivir HBV is not habit-forming. It is a prescription medication that should be used only as directed by your healthcare provider.
Do not share this medication with others, as it is specifically prescribed based on individual needs and medical conditions.
expert advice
WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE Lamivir HBV TABLET?
A: If you miss a dose of Lamivir HBV Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
- You have been prescribed Lamivir HBV Tablet 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.
- Lamivir HBV Tablet 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.
FAQs ABOUT Lamivir HBV TABLET
Q: Is Lamivir HBV safe in pregnancy?
A: Lamivir HBV TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless it is considered clearly necessary. Lamivir HBV TABLET may cause side effects in unborn babies. If you have taken Lamivir HBV TABLET during your pregnancy, your doctor may request regular blood tests and other diagnostic tests to monitor the development of your child. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Q: Does Lamivir HBV TABLET cure HIV infection?
A: Lamivir HBV TABLET does not completely cure HIV infection; it reduces the amount of virus in your body and keeps it at a low level. It also increases the CD4 cell count (important in fighting infection) in your blood.
Q: Can I stop taking Lamivir HBV TABLET?
A: Lamivir HBV TABLET helps to control your condition. You need to keep taking it every day to stop your illness getting worse. You may still develop other infections and illnesses linked to HIV infection. Keep in touch with your doctor and do not stop taking Lamivir HBV TABLET unless your doctor advice you to stop.
Q: Can Lamivir HBV TABLET cause diarrhea?
A: Yes. Diarrhea is a common side effect of Lamivir HBV TABLET. Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juices to keep yourself hydrated. Do not take any medicine on your own for treating diarrhoea. Contact your doctor if your diarrhoea did not improve.
Q: Can Lamivir HBV TABLET be crushed?
A: Take Lamivir HBV TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, but if you cannot swallow the tablets whole, you may crush and mix them with a small amount of food or drink and take all the dose immediately.
Q: What if I forget to take a dose of Lamivir HBV TABLET?
A: If you forget to take a dose of Lamivir HBV TABLET, take it as soon as you remember and then continue your treatment as usual. Do not take the medicine twice to make up for a forgotten dose.
Q: Can I pass HIV to other people while taking Lamivir HBV TABLET?
A: HIV infection is spread by sexual contact with infected person or by transfer of infected blood (for example, by sharing injection needles). You can still pass on HIV when taking Lamivir HBV TABLET, although the risk is lowered by effective antiretroviral treatment. Consult your doctor regarding the precautions needed to avoid passing the infection to other people.
Q: What other side effects can I have while taking Lamivir HBV TABLET?
A: During treatment with Lamivir HBV TABLET, there may be an increase in weight and in levels of blood fats and glucose. This is somewhat linked to restored health and lifestyle and in the case of elevation of blood fats sometimes linked to the HIV medicines. Inform your doctor if you feel any related changes, they’ll test for confirmation.
Q: Does Lamivir HBV TABLET cause changes in body fat?
A: Yes, Lamivir HBV TABLET can cause changes in body fat in people with HIV infection. These changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (buffalo hump), breast and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. Contact your doctor if you experience any changes in your body fat.
REFERENCES:
- Barbara G. Wells, Joseph T. Dipiro, Terry L. Shwinghammer, Cecily V. DiPiro. Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. Pharmacotherapy Handbook. Ninth edition. 2015. Page- 371.
- KD. Tripathi. Antiviral Drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 807, 808.
- Taylor K, Fritz K, Parmar M. Lamivudine. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. StatPearls. January 2022. [Accessed on 27th April 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559252/
- Bethesda (MD). Lamivudine: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. April 2019. [Accessed on 27th April 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548553/
- APL Swift Services (Malta) Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in September 2021] [Accessed on 27th April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7066.pdf
- Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in September 2017] [Accessed on 27th April 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020564s37_020596s036lbl.pdf
- Apotex Inc. Lamivudine. [Revised in October 2017] [Accessed on 27th April 2022] https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00041729.PDF
