Drug Uses

Epivir interferes with the HIV virus's ability to reproduce in the human body and delays the breakdown of the human immune system. It is also used for treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

How it is taken

Epivir must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You must continue to take it even if you have started feeling better. You may take it with or without food.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Epivir then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Epivir, if you have a history of muscle or pancreas problems, abnormal blood cell counts, liver disease (eg, hepatitis) or other liver problems (eg, abnormal liver function tests), kidney problems, diabetes, lactic acidosis, a nerve disorder or you are very overweight.

You must not take Epivir if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you are taking zalcitabine or other medicines containing lamivudine.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Epivir and contact your doctor immediately.

If your medicine supply starts to run out, then get a refill immediately or maintain an ample stock. Because the virus can get very difficult to control if you stop the dosage even for a while.

Epivir does not cure HIV infection and patients may continue to acquire illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care and supervision of your doctor. Epivir does not protect from the transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination.

Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with HIV. Do not share needles, other injection equipment, or personal items such as toothbrushes or razor blades.

Cases of worsening liver disease have been reported when Epivir is stopped in patients with both HIV and hepatitis B virus infection.

If you have hepatitis B virus infection, your doctor will perform lab tests for several months after you stop taking Epivir.

Some patients have had worsening hepatitis B virus after stopping use of Epivir. Tell your doctor about any new or unusual symptoms that you notice after stopping treatment. Epivir may affect your blood sugar.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

It is unknown whether Epivir is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug. HIV–infected mothers should not breast–feed their infants because of the risk of transmitting the HIV infection or Epivir.

Use with caution in children below three months of age or in children who have taken other HIV medications or in children who have a history of pancreas problems.

It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are changes in body fat, chills, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, general body discomfort, headache, indigestion, loss of appetite, muscle or joint pain, nausea, runny/stuffy nose, sleeplessness, stomach cramps. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), dark urine, depression (mental or mood changes), enlarged stomach, increased heart rate, numbness, tingling, or weakening of the arms or legs, persistent sore throat, chills, or fever, severe muscle or joint pain, severe or persistent nausea, stomach tenderness or pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual weakness or exhaustion, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.