The U.S. FDA-approved Lamivudine to treat people treat HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B virus infection. August 12, 1998.

Lamivudine is used to treat HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B virus infection. HIV is a Human immunodeficiency virus that attacks and destroys the cells in the immune system.

Take Lamivudine tablet as advised by your physician. Usually, this medicine will be given once a day. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the medicine if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of Lamivudine are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, tiredness, lack of energy, muscle pain, joint pain, difficulty in sleeping, cough, runny nose,  rash, and hair loss.

Serious side effects while taking Lamivudine are signs of osteonecrosis (stiffness in the joints, pain in hip, knee, or shoulder), liver problems (yellowing of whites of eyes and skin, urine turns dark, light-colored stools), muscle weakness, heart palpitations, tremor (neurological disorder) or hyperactivity. 

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Lamivudine or any of its ingredients. Before starting the treatment, inform your physician if you have any liver disorders, including hepatitis B or C, kidney problems, or if you are overweight (especially if you are a woman) before taking this tablet. Do not breastfeed, because HIV infection can be passed on to the baby via breast milk; Lamivudine's ingredient can also pass into the breast milk.

Inform your physician if you or your children have these conditions. Your doctor might take extra checkups, including blood tests, while under this treatment; Kidney patients might suggest dose adjustment.  Inform your physician if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding. Discuss more fertility concerns with your doctor. Do not share the personal item like needles, razors, or toothbrushes. 

Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Store protected from light at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Do not refrigerate. Contact your doctor for more concerns.  Consult your doctor about safe sex practices. Use contraception to prevent the transmission of HIV infection. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then continue your treatment as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. 

1. 1.KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 808.
2. 2.Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiviral agents (Nonretroviral), 12th edition, 2011, 1617.
3. 3.Milpharm Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on Sep 2020] [ Accessed on  15th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7066.pdf
4. 4.ViiV Healthcare, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Sep 2017] [ Accessed on 15th May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020564s37_020596s036lbl.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.