Epivir Hbv

Epivir Hbv (Lamivudine)

General information

Epivir Hbv belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI). It works by slowing the growth of the virus, thereby decreasing liver damage caused by the virus. Epivir Hbv is used to treat hepatitis B infection. It is not a cure for hepatitis B and does not prevent the passing of hepatitis B to others. Epivir Hbv should not be used in people who are infected with both hepatitis B and HIV.

Directions

Take Epivir Hbv exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily. The recommended dose for treating hepatitis B in adults is 100 mg once daily. For children 2 to 17 years old, the dosing is based on weight, about 3 mg per kilogram once daily (up to a maximum of 100 mg per day). A lower dosage may be recommended for people with kidney problems. Take Epivir Hbv at the same time every day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.

Precautions

Before taking Epivir Hbv you should talk with your doctor if you have HIV infection, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, kidney disease, kidney failure, blood disorders, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems or pancreatitis. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Children, especially those with pancreatitis, may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug.

Contraindications

You should not take Epivir Hbv if you are allergic to it, lamivudine, or any inactive components of the medication.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, strange dreams, depression, numbness of hands or feet, muscle weakness, stomach or back pain, bleeding, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, swelling of the face, tongue, throat, trouble breathing, hives, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, loss of appetite, fever, chills, body aches, joint pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: HIV medicines (ritonavir, indinavir, atazanavir, delavirdine), interferon, ribavirin, zalcitabine, emtricitabine, trimethoprim. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

The overdose symptoms are unknown. If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.