|
|
|
Lamivudine |
|
|
What is Lamivudine and why is it prescribed? Lamivudine is one of the drugs used to fight infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Doctors turn to Lamivudine as the infection gets worse. Lamivudine is taken along with Retrovir, another HIV medication. Like other drugs for HIV, Lamivudine interferes with the virus's ability to reproduce. This staves off the collapse of the immune system. The Lamivudine/Retrovir combination does not completely eliminate HIV or totally restore the immune system. There is still a danger of serious infections, so you should be sure to see your doctor regularly for monitoring and tests. How should you take Lamivudine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Lamivudine. It's important to keep adequate levels of Lamivudine in your bloodstream at all times. Lamivudine may be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Lamivudine at room temperature. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Are there any Lamivudine side effects? Lamivudine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Lamivudine side effects may include abdominal cramps and pains, allergic reaction, anemia, chills, cough, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, fatigue, fever, general feeling of illness, hair loss, headache, hives, insomnia and other sleep problems, itching, joint pain, liver damage, lost appetite, mouth sores, muscle and bone pain, muscle weakness or wasting, nasal problems, nausea, pancreatitis, prickling or tingling sensation, skin rashes, stomach upset, vomiting, weakness, and wheezing. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Lamivudine? If Lamivudine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Combining Lamivudine with the HIV drug Hivid is not recommended. Check with your doctor before combining Lamivudine with Bactrim or Septra. While no other interactions with Lamivudine have been reported, its companion drug, Retrovir, can interact with a number of medications. Are there any special warnings about Lamivudine? The Lamivudine tablets and liquid used to treat HIV are not interchangeable with Lamivudine-HBV, a low-dose form of the drug used to treat the chronic liver disease hepatitis B. If you have both HIV and hepatitis B, you should be treated with the high-strength form of the drug along with other HIV medications. Treatment with Lamivudine-HBV could promote drug-resistant strains of HIV. Note that when you stop taking Lamivudine, the hepatitis B may come back. Remember that Lamivudine does not eliminate HIV from the body. The infection can still be passed to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Lamivudine can cause an enlarged liver and the chemical imbalance known as lactic acidosis. This serious and sometimes fatal side effect is more likely in women, people who are overweight, and those who have been taking drugs such as Lamivudine for an extended period. Signs of lactic acidosis include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and a feeling of unwellness. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Treatment with Lamivudine may have to be discontinued. The Lamivudine/Retrovir combination should be given to a child with a history of pancreatitis only when there is no alternative. If any signs of a pancreas problem develop while the child is taking this combination, treatment should be stopped immediately. The chief signs of pancreatitis are bouts of severe abdominal pain, usually lasting for days, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some people receiving drugs for HIV experience a redistribution of body fat. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2009 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
