Generic name:lamivudine [ la-MIV-ue-deen ]
Brand names: Epivir, Epivir HBV
Drug class:Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
What is Epivir?
Epivir is an antiviral medicine that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus from multiplying in your body.
Epivir is for treating HIV in adults and children at least 3 months old. HIV is the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lamivudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Epivir-HBV is for treating hepatitis B in adults and children at least 2 years old. It should not be used in people who are infected with both hepatitis B and HIV.
Warnings
You should not take Epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B) if you also take other medicine that contains lamivudine or emtricitabine. This includes Atripla, Combivir, Complera, Emtriva, Epzicom, Stribild, Trizivir, and Truvada.
Epivir may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
Epivir can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver or pancreas. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using Epivir. You may need frequent
