Epivir (Lamivudine)

Do’s

• Take Epivir exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
• This medication is usually taken by mouth once or twice daily, with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight.
• Continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. 
• For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day

Don’ts

• Do not skip any doses, increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your healthcare provider may have serious consequences, such as increased virus levels, treatment resistance, or worsened side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Cough
• Nasal symptoms
• Rash
• Muscle disorders
• Joint pain
• Hair loss
• Fever
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Malaise
• Fatigue 

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Epivir, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

HIV counseling and testing should be offered to all patients before beginning treatment with Epivir to avoid inappropriate therapy and the development of resistance to HIV. 

Periodic testing should also be conducted during treatment due to the risk of emergence of resistant HIV-1 and limitation of treatment options if Epivir is prescribed to treat chronic hepatitis B infection in a patient who has unrecognized or acquired HIV-1 infection during treatment.

Other medications can interact with Epivir. Inform your healthcare provider about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

If Epivir is administered to a patient infected with HIV-1 and HBV, the dosage indicated for HIV-1 therapy should be used as part of an appropriate combination regimen.

The above information serves as a general guide. For personalized guidance and to address specific concerns related to the warnings and precautions of Epivir, consult your healthcare provider.