LAVIR 150MG TABLET

Introduction:

Lavir 150mg Tablet is an antiviral medicine containing the active constituent lamivudine. It is used in the treatment of HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B virus infection. HIV is a Human immunodeficiency virus that attacks and destroys the cells involved in the immune system; the body’s ability to fight against infections decreases and leads to death if untreated properly. Hepatitis B is viral infection affecting the liver.

This antiviral medicine does not completely cure the infection; it reduces the amount of virus in your body and increases the CD4 cell count in your blood. These cells are important in helping your body to fight infection. Inform your physician if you have any liver disorders, including hepatitis B or C, kidney problems, or if you are overweight before taking Lavir 150mg Tablet.

Do not share personal objects such as toothbrushes or razors with anyone. Do not breastfeed. Consult your doctor about safe sex practices. Administration of Lavir 150mg Tablet may lead to lactic acidosis (buildup of acid in the blood).

Uses of Lavir 150mg Tablet:

• HIV infection
• Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection

How Lavir 150mg Tablet works:

Lavir 150mg Tablet inhibits the enzyme reverse transcriptase and replication of viral particles in your body, and treats the infection.

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment

More information:

• Keep Lavir 150mg Tablet out of sight and reach of children.
• Store below 30°C.

References:

1. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 808.
2. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiviral agents (Nonretroviral), 12th edition, 2011, 1617.
3. Milpharm Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on Sep 2020] [ Accessed on 24th July 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7066.pdf
4. ViiV Healthcare, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Sep 2017] [ Accessed on 24th July 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020564s37_020596s036lbl.pdf

How to use Lavir 150mg Tablet:

Swallow the tablets with water. It can be taken with or without food. If you cannot swallow the tablets whole, you may crush and combine with small amount of food, and take all those doses immediately.

Safety advice:

Pregnancy: 

Lavir 150mg Tablet may cause harm to the unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking this medicine. The physician will explain the potential risks and benefits.

Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding is not recommended because viral infection can pass through breast milk.

Liver:

Inform your physician if you have or ever had any liver diseases, including hepatitis B or C, before taking Lavir 150mg Tablet.

Kidney: 

Inform your physician if you have any kidney disorders. Your physician will monitor your kidney condition before starting the treatment and may reduce the dose.

Driving: 

Avoid driving if you are feeling unwell, as this medicine may make u feel dizzy and less alert.

Others:

• Do not share personal objects such as razors or toothbrushes.
• Consult a doctor about safe sex practices.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious: 

• Lactic acidosis (breathing difficulties along with weakness in limbs, stomach pain, vomiting, drowsiness)
• Liver problems (yellowing of whites of eyes and skin, urine turns dark, light colored stools)

Common:

• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea, stomach pain
• Tiredness, lack of energy
• Muscle pain, joint pain
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Cough, runny nose
• Rash, hair loss