Lamivudine: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Lamivudine is used to treat hepatitis B infection. It is not a cure for hepatitis B and is unlikely to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B to others. Lamivudin is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that works by slowing the growth of the virus, thereby reducing liver damage caused by the virus.

Lamivudin is indicated in the following cases:
Chronic hepatitis B Preventing recurrence of hepatitis B in patients with a weakened immune system. HIV Prevention of HIV infection after exposure . Lamivudin is contraindicated in the following cases:
Increased acidity in the blood due to high levels of lactic acid. Acute pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis. Breastfeeding women Chronic kidney disease stages 3A, 3B, 4 and 5. Kidney disease with the possibility of impaired renal function.

Carefully read the medication instructions provided by your doctor before you start using Lamivudine and each time you are given a refill. If you have any questions regarding Lamivudine drug information, consult your doctor. Take Lamivudine by mouth with or without food, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. Use Lamivudine regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medicine works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept constant. So remember to take it at the same time every day, don't skip any doses. Your dose of Lamivudine is calculated based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not stop taking Lamivudine without consulting your doctor. Worsening of your condition, decreased response to medications, or development of drug-resistant viruses may occur during or after treatment. Promptly report any new symptoms that occur during or after treatment with Lamivudine to your doctor. To avoid spreading hepatitis B to others, always use an effective barrier method (for example, condoms) during sex. Tests such as liver function tests, blood chemistry tests, complete blood count, hepatitis B virus DNA levels should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for effects. side effects of Lamivudine. Different brands of the drug Lamivudine have different amounts of the active ingredient. Do not switch brands of this medication without first checking with your doctor. If you have HIV, you should take a higher dose.

While using Lamivudine, you may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, or an ear/nose/throat infection. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor right away.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Lamivudine because they have judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people use Lamivudine and no serious side effects occur.
Rarely, Lamivudine causes potentially fatal liver problems and a build-up of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis). These serious side effects of lamivudine may occur more frequently in women and in obese patients. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: Symptoms of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that won't stop, loss of appetite, stomach upset or pain). abdomen, yellow eyes, jaundice, dark urine), symptoms of lactic acidosis (eg, deep/rapid breathing, drowsiness, nausea/vomiting).
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects of Lamivudine occur: Mental/mood changes, muscle/joint pain.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects of Lamivudine occur: Tingling/numbness of hands or feet.
A serious allergic reaction to Lamivudine is very unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Lamivudine may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), difficulty breathing, severe dizziness.
Below are Lamivudine side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Lamivudine include:
A prickling sensation on the skin High blood lipase levels Sore throat Fever Low energy Headache Cough Nausea Diarrhea An ear infection

Less common side effects of Lamivudine include:
Decrease in blood platelets Low level of neutrophils Congestion and runny nose Indigestion Joint pain Muscle pain Dizziness Difficulty sleeping Chills Decreased appetite Vomiting Co Gastric tightening Rare side effects of Lamivudine include:
Increased blood acidity due to high levels of lactic acid Anemia Fatty liver Rhabdomyolysis Rhabdomyolysis Swollen lymph nodes Abnormal liver function tests Anaphylaxis Inflammation pancreas Red blood cell aplasia Inflammation of the mouth Itching Hair Loss Muscle weakness Cramps Wheezing This is not a complete list of possible side effects of Lamivudine. If you notice other effects of Lamivudine that are not listed above, contact your doctor immediately for prompt action.

Before taking Lamivudine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine and any other allergies, if any. Lamivudine may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Lamivudine, consult your doctor if you have pancreatitis.
Before using Lamivudine, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: HIV infection, kidney disease, blood disorders, liver disease.
Lamivudine can make you dizzy or drowsy and alcohol and marijuana can make you dizzy or drowsy. So you should not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness while using Lamivudine, until you can do it safely.
Lamivudine liquid preparations contain sugar (sucrose). If you are a patient with diabetes and use the liquid form of this medicine, you should monitor your blood sugar more closely when you start using this medicine.
Your kidney function declines with age. Lamivudine is eliminated by the kidneys, so elderly people may be at greater risk of side effects when using this medicine.
Children, especially those with pancreatitis, may be more sensitive to the effects of Lamivudine.
Lamivudine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits of using Lamivudine with your doctor. This medicine has not been shown to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B from mother to infant.
Lamivudine can pass into breast milk and have undesirable effects on a newborn. Therefore, breastfeeding while using Lamivudine is not recommended.

Drug interactions can change the way Lamivudine works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products). Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine during treatment with Lamivudine without your doctor's approval.
One product that may interact with Lamivudine is: Sorbitol.
Do not take Lamivudine with other products including those for HIV infection that contain lamivudine.
Emtricitabine is similar to lamivudine and should not be taken with Lamivudine.
Lamivudine may affect the results of certain laboratory tests (e.g. liver function tests). Make sure laboratory staff and your doctor know you are using Lamivudine.

If you or someone else has overdosed on Lamivudine and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
If you miss a dose of Lamivudine, take it as soon as you remember. If you find out when it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose of Lamivudine at the usual time, do not double the usual dose.

American Lamivudine product: Store tablets at room temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from light and moisture. Allowed for short-term storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Store oral solution at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) in a tightly closed bottle.
Canadian Lamivudine product: Store the drug at between 35.6 and 86 degrees F (2 and 30 degrees C), away from light and moisture. Store the oral solution at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed bottle.
Do not store Lamivudine in the bathroom, keep it out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of this medication appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed.

Reference source: webmd.com