Lamivudine    Click Image to Enlarge
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Brand Name: Epivir |
Drug Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
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Lamivudine, also known as Epivir or 3TC, is a type of medicine called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). NRTIs block reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.
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HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
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Lamivudine was approved by the FDA on November 17, 1995, for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and in children more than 3 months old. Although the practice has not received FDA approval, lamivudine may be used to prevent health care workers and others from getting HIV infection after they accidentally come into contact with the virus on the job.
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Lamivudine alone or in combination with other antiretrovirals does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.
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Dosage Form/Administration
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Lamivudine comes in liquid and tablet form and is taken by mouth. Lamivudine is also available combined with the NRTI zidovudine (in a tablet called Combivir), with the NRTI abacavir sulfate (in a tablet called Epzicom), and with the NRTIs abacavir sulfate and zidovudine (in a tablet called Trizivir). Lamivudine also comes in lower dose liquid and tablet forms (called Epivir-HBV) for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The lower dose form of lamivudine is for individuals who have HBV infection only. Individuals who have both HBV and HIV infection should not use this lower dose.
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Recommended Daily Dose
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The recommended daily dose of lamivudine for adults is 300 mg once a day or 150 mg twice a day. For children 3 months to 16 years of age, the recommended dose is 4 mg/kg, up to a maximum of 150 mg twice a day. The recommended dose of lamivudine may be different for patients with decreased kidney function.
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Some individuals may benefit from different doses of lamivudine. Individuals should always take lamivudine as directed by their doctors.
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Contraindications
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Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.
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Possible Side Effects
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Along with its desired effects, lamivudine can cause some unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include severe abdominal or stomach pain, or feeling of fullness; nausea; tingling, burning, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs; and vomiting. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.
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Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include canker sores; ear discharge or ear swelling; redness of skin; sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips, tongue, or inside the mouth; swollen and painful spots on neck, armpit, or groin; and unusually warm skin. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.
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Drug and Food Interactions
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A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), and herbal medications.
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Clinical Trials
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Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Lamivudine.
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Manufacturer Information
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Lamivudine
GlaxoSmithKline
5 Moore Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
(888) 825-5249
Epivir
GlaxoSmithKline
5 Moore Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
(888) 825-5249
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Updated November 11, 2008
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