Lamivudine is the generic name for the commercially known drug Epivir, which is used to treat AIDS in adults and children over 3 months of age, which helps reduce the amount of HIV virus in the body and disease progression.
Lamivudine, produced by GlaxoSmithKline Laboratories, is one of the components of the drug 3 in 1 against AIDS.
- Lamivudine should only be used with a prescription and in combination with other antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV-positive patients.
Lamivudine is indicated for the treatment of AIDS in adults and children older than 3 months, in combination with other medicines to treat AIDS.
Lamivudine does not cure AIDS or reduce the risk of HIV transmission, so the patient should maintain certain precautions such as using condoms in all intimate contacts, not using or sharing used needles, and personal items that may contain blood such as razor blades.
The use of lamivudine varies depending on the age of the patient, being that:
In case of kidney disease, the dose of lamivudine may be changed, so it is recommended to always follow the doctor’s instructions.
Side effects of lamivudine include headache and stomach pain, fatigue, dizziness, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, pancreatitis, red skin and itching, tingling in the legs, joint and muscle pain, anemia, hair loss, lactic acidosis and fat-up development.
Lamivudine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to formula components, in children under 3 months of age weighing less than 14 kg, and in patients taking zalcitabine.
However, it is important to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or are trying to conceive, breastfeed, diabetes, kidney problems and hepatitis B infection, and tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, vitamins or supplements.