Lamivudine

Information About Lamivudine

Uses of Lamivudine

Lamivudine is commonly used to treat chronic hepatitis b virus hbv infection, hiv infection

How Lamivudine Works

Lamivudine is an antiviral. It inhibits RNA- and DNA-dependent polymerase activities of reverse transcriptase via DNA chain termination.

Side Effects of Lamivudine

Headache, Nausea, Difficulty sleeping (insomnia), Nasal symptom, Abdominal cramp, Rash, Pain of the joint, Fatigue, Fever

Authorship

Written By

Dr Sri Viknarajan

MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Lamivudine Related Warnings

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Lamivudine as there is higher reported cases of osteonecrosis.

Pregnancy Limited Data

Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus such as early embryonic death. However, human studies have not shown any malformative effect to fetus or neonate.

Lactation Limited Data

There is no data regarding the safety of Lamivudine administration to babies less than 3 months old. Lamivudine is excreted in human milk. In HIV women, breastfeeding should be avoided to prevent HIV transmission.

Driving Limited Data

There is no information on the safety of Lamivudine administration and the ability to drive.

Kidney Use With Care

Dose adjustment of Lamivudine may be needed and it should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

Liver Limited Data

Lamivudine can be used in patients with liver disease. However, it is not yet been studied in decompensated liver disease.