Lamivudine

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

 

What Is Lamivudine?

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.
 
(Click What Is Lamivudine Used For? for more information on lamivudine uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Lamivudine Side Effects

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.)
 
(Lamivudine Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;