An NRTI - It is used with other medicines to treat HIV
FDA Alerts
Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis (including some fatalities) reported rarely in patients receiving nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) alone or in conjunction with other antiretrovirals. (See Lactic Acidosis and Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis under Cautions.)
Epivir® tablets and oral solution (used to treat HIV infection) contain a higher dose of lamivudine than Epivir-HBV® tablets and oral solution (used to treat hepatitis B virus). Patients with HIV should receive only the dosage forms appropriate for treatment of HIV.
HIV counseling and testing should be offered to all patients prior to and during Epivir-HBV® therapy. Epivir-HBV® tablets and oral solution contain a lower dose of lamivudine than Epivir® tablets and oral solution. Use of Epivir-HBV® in patients with unrecognized or untreated HIV infection may result in rapid emergence of resistant HIV because the dose is subtherapeutic and monotherapy is inappropriate.
Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reported following discontinuance of lamivudine in patients coinfected with HBV and HIV. Monitor hepatic function closely with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months after lamivudine is discontinued in patients coinfected with HBV and HIV. If appropriate, initiation of treatment for HBV infection may be warranted.
The fixed-combination preparation Combivir® contains 2 NRTIs (lamivudine and zidovudine) the fixed-combination preparation Epzicom® contains 2 NRTIs (lamivudine and abacavir), and the fixed-combination preparation Trizivir® contains 3 NRTIs (abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine); these are intended only for patients whose regimen would otherwise include lamivudine and the other components.
If using Combivir® or Trizivir®, consider that zidovudine has been associated with hematologic toxicity including neutropenia and severe anemia, particularly in those with advanced HIV infection; and that prolonged zidovudine use has been associated with symptomatic myopathy.
If using Trizivir®, consider that data are limited regarding use of the fixed combination in patients with higher viral loads (>100,000 copies/mL) at baseline.
LAMIVUDINE, 3TC (la ME vyoo deen, 3TC) is an antiretroviral medicine. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 months old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.
HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.
If you have hepatitis B and HIV, talk to your doctor if you plan to stop this medicine. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse if you stop this medicine.
Do not treat severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting with over-the-counter medicines. Contact your doctor.
Last Updated: June 22, 2009
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