Epivir

Why should Epivir not be prescribed?

If Epivir gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot take this drug.

Special warnings about Epivir

The Epivir tablets and liquid used to treat HIV are not interchangeable with Epivir-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 Epivir-HBV could promote drug-resistant strains of HIV. Note that when you stop taking Epivir, the hepatitis B may come back.

Remember that Epivir does not eliminate HIV from the body. The infection can still be passed to others through sexual contact or blood contamination.

Epivir 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 Epivir 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 Epivir may have to be discontinued.

The Epivir/Retrovir combination should be given to a child with a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) 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, leading to extra fat around the middle, a "buffalo hump" on the back, and wasting in the arms, legs, and face. Researchers don't know whether this represents a long-term health problem or not.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Epivir

Combining Epivir with the HIV drug Hivid is not recommended. Check with your doctor before combining Epivir with Bactrim or Septra.

While no other interactions with Epivir have been reported, its companion drug, Retrovir, can interact with a number of medications.