Lamivudine

Lamivudine is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, HIV, and AIDS. While the antiviral medication cannot cure these conditions, it can help prevent the HIV and hepatitis B viruses from multiplying. It comes in tablet and oral solution form, and is generally taken once or twice a day. Possible side effects include headaches, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

What Is Lamivudine?

Lamivudine (Epivir®) is a prescription medication used to treat AIDS and HIV. It is only approved for use in combination with other medications for the treatment of HIV. It is not approved to be used by itself. Epivir-HBV® (which also contains lamivudine) is approved to treat chronic hepatitis B.
 
(Click What Is Lamivudine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with lamivudine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of lamivudine include but are not limited to:
 
  • Ear, nose, or throat infections
  • Fatigue or a general ill feeling (malaise)
  • Headaches
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain).
     
(Click Side Effects of Lamivudine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
(Lamivudine Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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