Epivir-HBV Lamivudine

Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine)

Brand name: Epivir- HBV

Active Ingeridents(Generic Name) : Lamivudine

Company Name: Shire Pharma

Package:60 Tablets

Strength : 100mg

Indication:

This drug is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTI.

Mechanism of action:

Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) is an analogue of cytidine. It can inhibit both types of HIV reverse transcriptase and also the reverse transcriptase of hepatitis B virus. It is phosphorylated to active metabolites that compete for incorporation into viral DNA. They inhibit the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme competitively and act as a chain terminator of DNA synthesis. The lack of a 3'-OH group in the incorporated nucleoside analogue prevents the formation of the 5' to 3' phosphodiester linkage essential for DNA chain elongation, and therefore, the viral DNA growth is terminated.

Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) is administered orally, and it is rapidly absorbed with a bio-availability of over 80%. Some research suggests that Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) can cross the bloodbrain barrier. Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) is often given in combination with zidovudine, with which it is highly synergistic. Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) treatment has been shown to restore zidovudine sensitivity of previously resistant HIV. Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) showed no evidence of carcinogenicity or mutagenicity in in vivo studies in mice and rats at doses from 10 to 58 times those used in humans.

 

Dosage and Administration:

Use Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

         Take Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) by mouth with or without food.

         Continue to take Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

         Taking Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.

         If you miss a dose of Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine), take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

 

Side effects:

See also Warning section.

Headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Precaution:

Before taking Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis, kidney problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), alcohol use.

Store:

Store Epivir-HBV(Lamivudine) at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light.