Lamivudine (
Epivir®) is a prescription medication used to treat
AIDS and
HIV. It is approved only to be combined 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.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with lamivudine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. 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 that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)