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lamiVUDine
Lamivudine is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection and chronic hepatitis B. It belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which help slow the progression of HIV and reduce the amount of virus in the body. Lamivudine is often used in combination with other antiretroviral medications for the treatment of HIV. It can also be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does lamiVUDine take to start working?
lamiVUDine starts working immediately to reduce viral replication, but it may take weeks to months for viral levels to decrease significantly. Regular blood tests will be required to monitor progress.
Can I stop taking lamiVUDine if I feel better?
No, do not stop taking lamiVUDine without consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have hepatitis B, as this could cause a flare-up of the infection.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the regular time. Do not double up on doses.
Can lamiVUDine cure HIV or hepatitis B?
lamiVUDine does not cure HIV or hepatitis B. It helps manage the infections by reducing viral replication and lowering viral loads. Lifelong treatment may be necessary to keep the virus under control.
Is lamiVUDine safe during pregnancy?
lamiVUDine is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. It is often used to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any medication during pregnancy.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does lamiVUDine Work?
Lamivudine works by inhibiting reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that the HIV virus needs to replicate its genetic material and multiply. By blocking this enzyme, lamivudine helps prevent the virus from multiplying in the body, thereby reducing the viral load. In hepatitis B, lamivudine interferes with the virus's ability to replicate, helping to slow the progression of liver damage caused by the infection.
Common Dosages
- For HIV treatment: 300 mg once daily or 150 mg twice daily.
- For chronic hepatitis B: 100 mg once daily.
Typical Dosing
- For HIV infection: The recommended dose for adults is 300 mg once daily or 150 mg twice daily in combination with other antiretroviral medications.
- For chronic hepatitis B: The recommended dose is 100 mg once daily.
- Pediatric dosing varies based on the child’s weight and condition, and the oral solution may be used for children.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents
- Chronic hepatitis B infection in adults and children aged 2 years and older
Who Shouldn't Take lamiVUDine?
- Known hypersensitivity or allergy to lamivudine or any of its components.
- It should be used cautiously in patients with kidney disease, as dose adjustments may be required.
Advice From The Pharmacist
- Take lamivudine exactly as prescribed, at the same time each day to maintain steady levels in the blood.
- If you are taking lamivudine for HIV, it should always be used in combination with other antiretrovirals to prevent resistance.
- If you have hepatitis B, do not stop taking lamivudine without consulting your doctor, as stopping the medication can lead to a flare-up of hepatitis B symptoms.
- Inform your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects, particularly if you have symptoms of lactic acidosis (muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, or feeling cold).
- Do not share needles or engage in unprotected sex, even if you are taking lamivudine for HIV, as it does not prevent the transmission of the virus to others.
Side Effects of lamiVUDine
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Nasal symptoms
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Lactic acidosis (buildup of lactic acid in the body) – symptoms include muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, or feeling cold
- Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) or fatty liver
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Immune reconstitution syndrome – when starting HIV treatment, the immune system may become stronger and cause previously undiagnosed infections to become active
Risks and Warnings of lamiVUDine
- Lactic Acidosis and Severe Hepatomegaly: Lamivudine has been associated with lactic acidosis and enlarged liver with steatosis (fatty liver), which can be fatal. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Hepatitis B Exacerbation: Discontinuation of lamivudine in hepatitis B patients may cause a flare-up of the infection. Hepatic function should be monitored closely after discontinuation.
- Resistance: Using lamivudine alone for HIV treatment can lead to the development of resistance. It should always be used in combination with other antiretrovirals to avoid resistance.
- Immune Reconstitution Syndrome: In patients starting HIV treatment, the immune system may reactivate previously undiagnosed infections, requiring additional treatment.
Interactions with lamiVUDine
Common Drug Interactions
- Sorbitol-containing products: Taking oral solutions with sorbitol may reduce the absorption of lamivudine.
- Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim): May increase the levels of lamivudine in the body, but this is not usually clinically significant.
- Other antivirals: Use caution when taking lamivudine with other medications that also treat hepatitis B, such as tenofovir, to avoid potential drug interactions.
Alternatives to lamiVUDine
- Emtricitabine (FTC): A similar NRTI used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV.
- Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF): Used to treat both HIV and hepatitis B infection.
- Entecavir: An antiviral medication used specifically for hepatitis B infection.
- Abacavir: Another NRTI used in combination with other antiretrovirals for HIV treatment.
