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Printable Version Lamivudine Oral Solution (Hepatitis B)

Active Ingredients: Lamivudine (Hepatitis B)
Other Names: Epivir HBV Oral Solution
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Lamivudine Oral Solution (Hepatitis B)?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Lamivudine Oral Solution (Hepatitis B)? (Back to top)
LAMIVUDINE, 3TC is an antiretroviral drug. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • diabetes
  • drink alcohol daily
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • pancreatitis
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to lamivudine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 months old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
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 may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

  • emtricitabine
  • other lamivudine medicines
  • ribavirin
  • sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim, SMX-TMP
  • trimethoprim
  • zalcitabine, ddC

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • breathing difficulties
  • depression
  • muscle aches, pains, weakness
  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
  • unusually weak or tired
  • weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty sleeping
  • hair loss
  • headache
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea, vomiting
  • runny, stuffy nose
  • stomach pain, upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.

If you have hepatitis B and HIV, talk to your doctor if you plan to stop this medicine. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse if you stop this medicine.

Do not treat severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting with over-the-counter medicines. Contact your doctor.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at a room tempture of 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:March 20, 2006

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Lamivudine Oral Solution (Hepatitis B)

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Lamivudine Oral Solution (Hepatitis B), do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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