Generic Epivir HBV (Lamivudine, Lamivir)

Generic Epivir contains the active ingredient lamivudine that is an antiviral drug. It basically functions to prevent the replication of hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus. This antiretroviral drug is effective against HIV 1 and HIV 2 virus. The mechanism of the action revolves around being the analog to cytidine and inhibition of reverse transcriptase.

Hence it is used for the treatment of hepatitis B and HIV virus specifically when other options are minimal.

 

The drug is available in both oral tablet form and liquid form as well. The recommended dosage is 300 mg per day in two divided dosages. However, in children, the dosage is adjusted according to the weight and is usually 4 mg to 8 mg per kg body weight. It should be taken according to the advice of the doctor and should be continued to the prescribed dosage. While taking the medicine, the weight should be measured and blood tests for your kidney and liver function should be done regularly.

 

Usage:

It is used for the treatment of chronic infection by Hepatitis B virus and also for the treatment of HIV virus infection in lower doses. It helps in the improvement of clinical condition as well as at cellular level.

 

Patients with allergy to the drug, fatty liver, pancreatitis, pregnancy, kidney dysfunction, liver function impairment, lactic acidosis should not take lamivudine. Also, the patients, who are immunocompromised, should not take the drug.

 

• Lactic acidosis with symptoms of muscle pain and weakness, numbness, difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, stomach pain, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, irregular heartbeat cold feeling in arms and legs.

• Liver dysfunction

• Pancreas dysfunction

• Pain in stomach

• Itching

• Sneezing 

• Cough

• Muscle cramps

• Sleepiness or difficulty sleeping

• Unusual bleeding

• Belching

• Sick feelings

• indigestion

• Sore throat 

• Dark urine

• Clay-colored stool

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes

• Loss of appetite

• Irregular heart beat

• Diarrhea

• Stuffy nose

• GI infection

• Dyspepsia

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Taste disorders

• Neuropathy

• Parasthesias

• Fatigue

• Malaise

• Elevated liver enzymes

• Hepatic steatosis

• Rash

• Pruritis

• Alopecia

• Neutropenia

• Hypertriglyceridemia

•

Any allergy to the drug should be told to the doctor. It should not be taken if you are taking other medications for HBV and HIV like emtricitabine and other drugs containing lamivudine. As the drug is metabolized in the liver so if you have any history of liver disease, tell your doctor. Even after stopping the drug usage, any kind of symptoms should be explained to the doctors.

Also if you have any history of kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, liver transplant etc. let your doctor know. If you are pregnant or planning the pregnancy or are a lactating mother tell your doctor as it passé in the breast milk.

If you are taking any over the counter medicine or any other supplements let your doctor know.