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
Warnings
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.
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.
Driving Limited Data
There is no information on the safety of Lamivudine administration and the ability to drive.
Liver Limited Data
Lamivudine can be used in patients with liver disease. However, it is not yet been studied in decompensated liver disease.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
