Lamivudine : Proper Use (Epivir, Epivir-HBV, 3TC, Heptovir)

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You are here : 3-RX.com > Drugs & Medications > Detailed Drug Information (USP DI) > Lamivudine : Proper Use

Lamivudine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Epivir, Epivir-HBV, 3TC, Heptovir

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor . Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking lamivudine or zidovudine without checking with your doctor first.

Keep taking lamivudine for the full time of treatment , even if you begin to feel better.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses . If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.

If you are using lamivudine oral suspension , use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. The lamivudine oral suspension contains sucrose. Tell your doctor if you are diabetic before you start taking this medicine.

Only take medicine that your doctor has prescribed specifically for you. Do not share your medicine with others.

Dosing - The dose of lamivudine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of lamivudine. Your dose may be different if you have kidney disease. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so:

For oral dosage forms (oral solution and tablets):
- For treatment of hepatitis B infection:
  - Adults - 100 milligrams (mg) once a day.
  - Children younger than 16 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of HIV infection or AIDS:
  - Adults weighing 50 kilograms (kg) (110 pounds) or more - 150 milligrams (mg) twice a day together with other HIV medications.
  - Adults weighing less than 50 kg (110 pounds) - 2 mg per kg of body weight twice a day together with other HIV medications.
  - Children 3 months to 16 years of age - 4 mg per kg of body weight, up to 150 mg per dose, twice a day together with other HIV medications.
  - Children younger than 3 months of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Note:

Patients that require treatment for both hepatitis B and either AIDS or HIV should follow the dosing schedule for HIV or AIDS

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

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