Epivir ratings & reviews

Epivir contains the active ingredient lamivudine, which is a synthetic nucleoside analogue. It is available in tablet form for oral administration, with dosage strengths of 150 mg and 300 mg per tablet. Key inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and povidone. Lamivudine is designed to have activity against HIV-1 and HBV.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take this medication with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses can make the HIV virus resistant to this medication and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 3 months old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at a room temperature of 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.To get rid of medications that are no longer wanted or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substances. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High lactic acid level—muscle pain or cramps, stomach pain, trouble breathing, general discomfort and fatigue
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Runny or stuffy nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• An unusual or allergic reaction to lamivudine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

• Emtricitabine
• Interferon
• Other lamivudine medications
• Ribavirin
• Sorbitol-containing medications

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms get worse or if you have new symptoms.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your care team. If you have HIV and hepatitis B, the symptoms of hepatitis B may worsen when you stop taking this medication. Your care team will check your liver and general health for several months after treatment is stopped.

Make sure you have the correct formulation of this medication. The products used to help manage HIV symptoms contain a higher dose of lamivudine than the products used to treat hepatitis B. It is important that you take the right dose. If you have both HIV and hepatitis B, you need to take the product for HIV. Taking the wrong dose can make HIV change, which can cause the medication to not work as well. This makes it hard to stay healthy.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

Make sure you have the correct formulation of this medication. The products used to help manage HIV symptoms contain a higher dose of lamivudine than the products used to treat hepatitis B. It is important that you take the right dose. If you have both HIV and hepatitis B, you need to take the product for HIV. Taking the wrong dose can make HIV change, which can cause the medication to not work as well. This makes it hard to stay healthy.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your care team. If you have both HIV and hepatitis B, the symptoms of hepatitis B may worsen when you stop taking this medication. Your care team will check your liver and general health after treatment is stopped. You may need to take other medications if your hepatitis flares or returns.