Epivir Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (la-MIV-ue-deen)
Epivir Oral Uses
This drug, used in combination with other medications, helps to control your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It also lowers your risk of getting HIV complications (e.g., new infections, cancer). Lamivudine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Lamivudine is not a cure for HIV and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (e.g., sharing used needles).
How To Use Epivir Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor.
Dosage is based on your weight, kidney function, medical condition, and response to therapy.
It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other anti-HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
