General Information
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Lamidac tab (Zy. Alidac)
Heptavir tab (Hetero HC)
Lamivudine is available at your pharmacy store with the prescription of registered medical practitioner.
Lamivudine pronounced as: la MIV yoo deen
Lamivudine is an anti infective / anti viral drug.
Lamivudine is used in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B infection and in combination with other drugs to treat HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) infection.
- Take lamivudine medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
- Lamivudine can be taken with or without food with one glass of water at regular intervals as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not skip any doses. Continue to take it even when you feel better. You must complete the entire course of medication. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely and may worsen.
- Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any other prescription like antiviral drugs(gancyclovir,Foscarnet) , Antibiotics( cotrimoxazole, trimethoprim ) or OTC
- Inform your doctor if you have following medical conditions as lamivudine should be used cautiously in the below mentioned conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy( tingling and numbness in extremities)
- History of pancreatitis
- Renal diseases
- Liver diseases
Do not take lamivudine if you suffer from lactic acidosis or hepatic impairment.
Children: Lamivudine should not be used in children less than 2 years old.
Old people:
Pregnant woman: Lamivudine belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that lamivudine may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: It is not known whether lamivudine passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take lamivudine with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Other: Avoid alcohol when on lamivudine medication as it damages the liver and pancreas.
Lamivudine is available in the form of tablet and suspension.
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease. Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
For detailed dosage information consult your doctor who will prescribe you depending on the severity of the disease.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
You may experience following overdose symptoms
- Tingling and numbness in both the hands& feet
Lamivudine may cause following side effects like
- Unusual muscle pain and weakness
Consult your doctor immediately if notice following symptoms
- Unusual muscle pain and weakness
- Abdominal pain radiating to back
Store lamivudine at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any left over portion is disposed off safely.
- Lamivudine does not prevent transmission of HIV infection. Always avoid sexual contact with the affected individual or use effective barrier contraceptive like latex-condom, avoid sharing needles and used syringes.
- HIV virus can transmit infection to the newborn baby via breast milk. Hence breast feeding should not be done.
- HIV can pass to the unborn baby if the mother is not treated adequately during pregnancy. Therefore consult your doctor regularly and take medication as prescribed to prevent transmission.
- Always visit your doctor regularly for thorough check up to monitor your condition and look for possible side effects of medication.
- Worsening of hepatitis symptoms is occasionally seen when lamivudine is stopped. Your doctor may advise you to undergo regular liver function test to monitor the side effects for several months.
It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: November 26,2011