Lamivudine is a drug to handle hepatitis B or HIV infection. This medicine tavailable in tablet form and can only be usedin accordance doctor's prescription. Please note, this drug can not cure or prevent infectious hepatitis B or HIV infection.
Lamividune is an antiviral drug that works by blocking an enzyme that plays a role in the proliferation of viruses. Therefore, viral load or the amount of virus in the body can be reduced and disease progression can be slowed.
lamivudine trademark:3TC, Heplav, Hiviral, Lamivudine, Lmv
What is Lamivudine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antiviral drugs |
| Benefit | Overcoming infection with hepatitis B and HIV viruses |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Lamivudine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Lamivudine may be absorbed into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking lamivudine while breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Lamivudine
Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Lamivudine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, or have had a liver transplant.
- Patients who take lamivudine are at risk for lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the body. Talk to your doctor about these risks.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking lamivudine.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Lamivudine
The following are general doses of lamivudine based on the patient's condition and age:
Condition: Chronic hepatitis B
- Mature: 100 mg, once daily. Especially for patients suffering from hepatitis B along with HIV, a dose of 150 mg, 2 times a day; or 300 mg, once daily.
- Children aged 2–17 years: 3 mg/kg body weight, once a day. The maximum dose is 100 mg per day.
Condition: HIV infection
- Mature: 150 mg, 2 times a day; or 300 mg, once daily.
- Children weighing 14–21 kg: 75 mg, 2 times a day.
- Children weighing 22–30 kg: 75 mg in the morning and 150 mg in the evening.
- Children weighing >30 kg: 150 mg, 2 times a day.
How to Take Lamivudine Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the directions on the medicine package. Do not increase or decrease the dose without the permission of the doctor because it is feared that it can worsen the condition experienced.
Lamivudine can be taken before or after meals. Try to take this medicine regularly at the same time every day for maximum treatment.
Follow the medication schedule given by the doctor. Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor first. Stopping the medication too soon can cause the infection to not be well controlled.
During treatment with lamivudine, your doctor will ask you to undergo regular health checks, including testsviral load HIV, liver function tests, and the amount of hepatitis B virus. Perform regular examinations according to the schedule given by the doctor.
If you forget to take lamivudine, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store lamivudine at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Interactions of Lamivudine with Other Drugs
The effects of drug interactions that can occur if lamivudine is used with other drugs are:
- Increased risk of severe anemia when used with zidovudine
- Decreased clearance of lamivudine when used with trimethoprim
- Increased risk of developing drug resistance and treatment failure when used with abacavir or didanosine.
- Decreased effectiveness of zalcitabine
- Increased risk of side effects from emtricitabine
Lamivudine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can arise from taking lamivudine are:
- Cough, runny nose or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Nauseous
- Diarrhea
- Sleep disturbance
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unusual tiredness or dizziness to the point of fainting
- Fever, feeling cold, or chills
- Pain in the abdomen that radiates to the back
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Dark urine
- Jaundice, loss of appetite, or easy bruising
