LAMIVUDINE

• Minor side effects (if these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor)
  • Cough; diarrhea; dizziness; general body discomfort; headache; loss of appetite; mild mouth pain or swelling; muscle or joint pain; nausea; runny/stuffy nose; stomach pain or cramps; tiredness; trouble sleeping; vomiting.

• Serious side effects (inform your doctor immediately)
  • Tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); burning, numbness, or tingling sensation; dark urine; ear pain or discharge; fever, chills, or sore throat; mental or mood changes; pale stools; persistent loss of appetite; severe or persistent muscle pain, ache, or tenderness; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; severe or persistent stomach pain or tenderness; swollen lymph nodes; symptoms of lactic acidosis (eg, fast or difficult breathing; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; severe or persistent weakness or tiredness; unusual drowsiness, dizziness, or light-headedness; unusual feeling of cold in the arms or legs; wheezing); yellowing of the skin or eyes.

• Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get immediate medical help if you notice the following:
  • Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions:

• Inform your doctor.
  • Allergy to the medication or any allergies.
  • Medical History of muscle problems, 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, a current pregnancy or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, very overweight or is a child who has a history of pancreas problems or who has previously taken other medicine for HIV infection.

• Do not stop taking lamivudine, even for a short period. Viral resistance may occur and make it more difficult to treat.

• This drug is not a cure for HIV infection as patients may still get illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Regular checkups with a physician is recommended.

• This drug does not stop the spread of HIV to others through blood or sexual contact. Do not share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors.

• May affect blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Regular blood sugar monitoring is recommended.
• Should only be used when there is a clear need during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby. If you are planning to be pregnant or think you may be pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of use with your doctor.
• As breast milk can transmit HIV, breastfeeding should be avoided.

Interactions:

Taking multiple drugs may affect how medications work and/or cause unwanted side effects. List down all the medications you are taking and inform your physician and pharmacist. Do not take, discontinue, or alter any dose of medications without prior approval of your physician.

• Products that may interact with this medication include:
  • Interferon alfa or ribavirin, Emtricitabine, other medicines that contain lamivudine, or trimethoprim, Zalcitabine because it may decrease lamivudine’s effectiveness.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Storage

• Room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C
• Do not expose to light and moisture
• Do not store in the bathroom
• Keep all medications away from pets and children

Brands

Available Brands:

• Zeffix