Uses of Lamivudine

Lamivudine is used to inhibit the activity of enzymes that are responsible for the replication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in adults and children. It is also used to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis B infection in adults.

Therapeutic Category

Lamivudine: Antiviral drugs

How Lamivudine works

Lamivudine inhibits the activity of enzyme (HIV-1 reverse transcriptase) which is responsible for virus replication. Thus, it helps to prevent HIV from replication in the body.

Lamivudine inhibits the activity of enzyme (HBV polymerase) which is responsible for virus replication. Thus, Lamivudine helps to reduce the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body and also reduce the liver damage, leading to improvement in your liver function.

Common side effects of Lamivudine

• headache
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain
• tiredness, lack of energy
• fever
• feeling generally unwell
• muscle pain and discomfort, joint pain
• difficulty sleeping
• cough, irritated or runny nose
• rash
• alopecia (hair loss) 

When to consult your doctor

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience serious allergic reaction such as skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, tongue or throat leading to difficulty in swallowing or breathing, chest pain
• If you experience signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis such as feel very weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, difficulty in breathing, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, feel cold, especially in your arms and legs, feel dizzy or light-headed, fast or irregular heartbeat
• If you experience signs and symptoms of liver disease such as yellowish discolouration of skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or tea-coloured urine, light-coloured stools, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, pain or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area
• If you experience signs and symptoms of pancreatitis such as severe upper stomach-area pain, with or without nausea and vomiting

Health Tips for Lamivudine

• Always take Lamivudine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not alter the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor
• Lamivudine can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food can help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
• It's essential to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, as some medications, including Lamivudine, can cause dehydration.
• Alcohol and certain drugs may interact with Lamivudine, leading to adverse effects or reducing the medication's effectiveness. Consult your doctor about any substances you should avoid minimizing side effects of lamivudine.
• Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This will provide your body with essential nutrients to support your immune system.
• If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking can weaken the immune system and may interfere with the effectiveness of medications