Patient Education

Lamivudine, 3TC tablets

What do lamivudine tablets do?

LAMIVUDINE (3TC, Epivir®, Epivir®-HBV™) is used to treat infections due to hepatitis B and HIV. Lamivudine can slow down the damage caused by hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). When used to treat HIV, lamivudine is used in combination with other agents. Lamivudine will not cure or prevent hepatitis B infection, HIV infection or AIDS. Generic lamivudine oral solution is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take lamivudine?

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

•kidney disease

•other liver disease

•pancreatitis

•tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

•an unusual or allergic reaction to lamivudine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take lamivudine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets with a drink of water. If lamivudine upsets your stomach, you can take it with food. If you find it difficult to swallow the tablets, ask your prescriber or health care professional if you can take lamivudine oral solution. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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.

What other medicines can interact with lamivudine?

•co-trimoxazole

•sulfamethoxazole

•trimethoprim

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking lamivudine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

•worsening jaundice or other signs of hepatitis

•fever or chills, sore throat

•loss of appetite

•muscle pain or weakness

•pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet

•stomach pain

•unusual bleeding or bruising

•unusual tiredness or weakness

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

•cough

•diarrhea

•nausea, vomiting

•difficulty sleeping

•hair loss

•headache

•runny or stuffy nose

•skin rash

What do I need to watch for while I take lamivudine?

You must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional. Lamivudine will not cure HIV or hepatitis B infection and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease.

The doses of lamivudine are different depending upon the disease for which you are being treated. If you are receiving lamivudine for hepatitis B infection only, you should be tested for HIV prior to starting and during treatment to avoid inappropriate therapy for HIV. Patients with both HIV and hepatitis B who are planning to change their HIV treatment regimen to a regimen that does not contain lamivudine should discuss continued therapy for hepatitis B with their prescriber or health care professional.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you get tingling, pain or numbness in your hands or feet.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional at once, especially for children under 12 years old, if you have nausea and vomiting accompanied by severe stomach pain.

Lamivudine when used to treat HIV can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Taking lamivudine does not reduce the risk of passing HIV or hepatitis B infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store between 2 and 30 degreesC (36 and 86 degreesF). Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.