Epivir-HBV
Lamivudine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Epivir-HBV
Epivir-HBV (Lamivudine) is a cytidine analogue. It inhibits the HIV reverse transcriptase of both type 1 and type 2 HIV viruses. It can also inhibit reverse transcriptase of hepatitis B virus. Epivir HBV has to be phosphorylated to its triphosphate form to be active. This triphosphate also inhibits cellular DNA polymerase enzyme.
Therapeutic Uses of Epivir-HBV
Epivir-HBV is used in the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection of liver. It slows down the growth of hepatitis B virus by preventing its multiplication. But it can not cure hepatitis B infection and it also can not stop passing of it to other people.
Epivir-HBV is also used in the treatment of HIV infection generally along with zidovudine, with which it is highly synergistic. Epivir-HBV (Lamivudine) can also restore zidovudine sensitivity of previously resistant HIV.
Direction of use of Epivir-HBV
Epivir-HBV is taken orally once a day or as per direction of your doctor. It can be taken with food or without food. The exact instructions should be followed and the dose should not be increased or decreased or stopped with out consulting your doctor.
Epivir-HBV should not be taken if you have both HIV and hepatitis B infection. That is why an HIV test is recommended for receiving optimal treatment. Resistance to Epivir-HBV may develop during treatment and you should report any unusual symptoms during treatment. Consult your doctor for more information about Epivir-HBV.
The optima duration of treatment with Epivir-HBV is not clear, but the effectiveness of Epivir-HBV after one year is not clear. Consult your doctor if any question you have about Epivir-HBV.
Dose of Epivir-HBV, if Missed
If a dose of Epivir-HBV is missed take it as soon as possible. If it is missed for long and it is near the time for the next dose, than skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Never take 2 doses of Epivir-HBV at a time.
How to Store Epivir-HBV
Store Epivir-HBV at room temperature 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C away from moisture, heat and light, keep it out of reach of children. It can be stored at higher or lower temperature than ideal for a brief period of time without any harm.
More Information About Epivir-HBV
Do not share Epivir-HBV with anyone. It should be taken by the patient only for whom it is prescribed. Lab tests can be performed to monitor the progress and you should keep all the lab appointments.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Epivir-HBV
- During treatment of hepatitis B with Epivir-HBV, there may be lactic acidosis (lactic acid build up in blood) and liver damage (death may occur). These problems are more commonly seen if Epivir-HBV is used in combination with anti HIV drugs like zidovudine, ritonavir etc.
- Epivir-HBV should be used during pregnancy only if it is clearly indicated. This medication doses not have any effect on transmission of hepatitis B from mother to fetus. Epivir HBV passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breasr feeding should not be done while on Epivir-HBV. If you have to breast feed, consult your doctor before that and discus the risks of using Epivir-HBV during pregnancy and breast feeding.
- If children are given Epivir-HBV, it should be done with caution as they are more sensitive to Epivir-HBV.
- Avoid alcohol while taking Epivir-HBV. It can cause dizziness, and if you are drive or doing any risky work it might cause trouble, more so if alcohol is taken along with Epivir-HBV.
- Liquid preparations of Epivir-HBV may contain sugar (sucrose) and diabetics has to be cautious. If you are diabetic you should closely monitor blood sugar level during treatment with Epivir-HBV.
- HIV counseling and testing should be done to all patients before treatment and during treatment with Epivir-HBV. A lower dose of the medicine is used in the treatment of HIV.
- Consult your doctor or other health care provider for more information on Epivir-HBV. Inform your doctor if you have HIV infection, kidney problems, liver problems, blood disorders, pancreas problems, alcohol use, allergies like drug allergies etc.
Possible Adverse Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and dizziness are common side effects. If you get any of the common side effects and they become persistent or bothersome, you should consult your doctor.
You should also inform your doctor if you get any side effects like fatigue, sore throat, fever etc. Inform your doctor if you get any uncommon but potentially serious side effects like fast breathing, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet; mental change, mood change, persistent and/or severe stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark color urine etc. If you get allergic reaction to Epivir-HBV, though it is very uncommon, you should get immediate medical attention. The symptoms of allergic reaction are rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty in breathing etc. If you get any side effect that is not listed above you should consult your doctor urgently.