What is/are Epivir Tablets?

LAMIVUDINE, 3TC is an antiretroviral drug. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lamivudine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• muscle problems, pancreas problems, abnormal blood cell counts
• overweight
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

What may interact with this medicine?

• emtricitabine
• other lamivudine medicines
• ribavirin
• sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim, SMX-TMP
• interferon alfa or ribavirin
• trimethoprim
• zalcitabine, ddC

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing difficulties
• depressed mood
• muscle pain or weakness
• nausea, vomiting, unusual stomach upset or pain
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• dark urine
• persistent sore throat, chills, or fever
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough
• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness
• general body discomfort
• hair loss
• headache
• loss of appetite
• muscle or joint pain
• nausea
• runny, stuffy nose
• sleeplessness
• stomach cramps
• weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.

If you have hepatitis B and HIV, talk to your doctor if you plan to stop this medicine. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse if you stop this medicine.

High levels of lactic acid in the blood and severe, life-threatening liver problems have been reported with the use of Epivir alone or with other medicines. Epivir contains a higher dose of the same active ingredient (lamivudine) in Epivir-HBV. These formulations are not interchangeable. Worsening of hepatitis B virus infection has been reported in patients who also have HIV and stop taking Epivir . Patients with both HIV and hepatitis B virus infection should have their liver function monitored closely for at least several months after stopping use of Epivir .

Where should I keep this medicine?

Store at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.