Generic name: Zeffix, Heptovir, Lamivudine, Epivir-HBV, Kess, Lamibergen, Lamilea
Brand names: Epivir
What is Epivir?
Epivir is a popular antiviral drug that has been labeled as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It is used to fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It will not work for flu, colds or viral infections.
Contact your medical practitioner or pharmacist for more information about the curative influence of this product.
What important information should I know about Epivir?
Continue to take this medication until the end of the cure corse, even if you start to feel better. Stopping the medication too early may worsen some conditions.
Epivir may cause dizziness or coordination problems. Use caution when climbing, doing hazardous tasks, driving or operating machinery until you know how you react to this medicine.
The combination of alcohol and Epivir may cause flushing and a fast heart rate. It is important to use alcohol cautiously during taking this medication.
Always make known to a health care provider before giving Epivir to a child.
What symptoms or conditions should I report to a doctor before I take this medicine?
It is important to report to a doctor if you have or had the following conditions:
- heart disorders (such as heart rhythm problems)
- liver or kidney disease
- allergy to limuvidine, or to similar medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pancreatitis
- problems with your muscles
- enzyme disorder
- problems with your blood counts
- diabetes
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
How to take Epivir?
Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Don’t share this medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s recommendations. Don’t take more or longer than your doctor recommended.
Epivir comes in the tab, oral solution form to take by mouth.
The recommended dose of this medicine is 150-300 milligrams (mg). It should be taken 1 or 2 times a day, at regular intervals. Epivir is taken with a glass of water. It is better to drink several glasses of water each day while you are taking Epivir to protect your kidneys. You may take it on a full or on an empty stomach. In order to minimize stomach irritation and help your body absorb the drug is desirable to combine with meals.
The tablets should be swallowed whole. Take this medicament exactly as instructed on your prescription label and prescribed by your doctor. Do not open, chew or crush them. Shake the oral solution well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or medicine cup to be sure of the correct dose.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Epivir?
If you miss a dosage of Epivir, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose.
What should you do if you overdose?
Any medicine taken large doses can have serious consequences. If you are overdosed inform your health care professional at once.
What drug(s) may interact with Epivir?
- Amiloride
- Dofetilide
- Indinavir
- Metformin
- Memantine
- Procainamide
- Ribavirin
- Sulfamethoxazole
- Ttrimethoprim, SMX-TMP (Bactrim®, Septra®)
- Trimethoprim
- Zalcitabine, ddC
This is not a complete list of interactions. Ask your doctor if you need more detailed information. Discuss with your medical practitioner the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
What side-effects may occur?
- Allergic reaction ( hives; swelling of your face, tongue, lips or throat; difficulty breathing; skin rash or swelling; itching )
- Problems with breathing
- Fever, chills
- Nausea, vomiting
- Numbness, tingling in your hands or feet (tremor), muscle stiffness, or spasms
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention), dark urine, diarrhea or loose stools
- Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears or hearing loss
- Indigestion, or upset stomach, bloating, stomach gas, pain or cramps
- Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth, pale skin
- Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Fatigue, faintness
- Liver problems, yellowing eyes, skin
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Trouble sleeping
If these persist or worsen, advise your health care professional promptly. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. If you have other reactions not mentioned above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should Epivir be stored?
Store at room temperature between 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F), tightly closed, away from sunlight, direct heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep medicament out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Warning: Before taking the drug you need to consult your doctor.The information contained in this article is not intended to cover all possibleprecautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, directions, uses, allergic reactions or warnings.
He knows everything about medications – to which pharmacological group the drug belongs, what components are included in its composition, how it differs from its analogs, what indications, contraindications, and side effects remedy has. John is a real pro in his field, so he knows all these subtleties and wants to tell you about them.