Information About Generic Epivir (Lamivudine)

What is Generic Epivir (Lamivudine)

Working of Generic Epivir (Lamivudine)

Generic Epivir (Lamivudine) Dosage or Administration

Precautions for Taking Generic Epivir (Lamivudine)

Interaction of Generic Epivir (Lamivudine) with Other Drugs

Side effects of Generic Epivir (Lamivudine)

Lamivudine is generic equivalent of Epivir, it is used for HIV infection: In combination with zidovudine when clinical or immunologic evidence demonstrates HIV progression.

Chronic hepatitis B: Treatment of chronic hepatitis B associated with evidence of hepatitis B viral replication and active liver inflammation.

What is Generic Epivir (Lamivudine)

Generic Epivir belong to calss Anti-infective, Antiviral. Generic Epivir Inhibits replication of HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Generic Epivir (Lamivudine) Dosage or Administration

HIV Infection Adults: PO 150 mg bid or 300 mg once daily in combination with zidovudine if weight over 50 kg; 2 mg/kg bid in combination with zidovudine if weight less than 50 kg.

Children 3 mo to 16 yr: PO 4 mg/kg bid (max, 150 mg bid) in combination with zidovudine. Dosage adjustment needed because of renal impairment.

Adults: PO Ccr 30 to 49: 150 mg once/day; Ccr 15 to 29: 150 mg first dose, then 100 mg once/day; Ccr 5 to 14: 150 mg first dose, then 50 mg once/day; Ccr less than 5: 50 mg first dose, then 25 mg once/day.

Chronic Hepatitis B Adults: PO 100 mg/day. Safety and efficacy of treatment older than 1 yr not established.

Children 2 to 17 yr: PO 3 mg/kg/day (max, 100 mg/day). Safety and efficacy of treatment older than 1 yr not established.

Dosage Adjustments in Renal Impairment: Adults: PO Ccr at least 50: 100 mg/day; Ccr 30 to 49: 100 mg first dose then 50 mg/day; Ccr 15 to 29: 100 mg first dose then 25 mg/day; Ccr 5 to 14: 35 mg first dose then 15 mg/day; Ccr less than 5: 35 mg first dose then 10 mg/day.

Precautions for Taking Generic Epivir (Lamivudine)

Pregnancy Category C. Lactation Undetermined. Children Hepatitis B Safety and efficacy in children under 2 yr not established. HIV infection Safety and efficacy in children under 2 mo not established. Excacerbation of hepatitis Exacerbations of hepatitis has occurred after discontinuation of lamivudine. Fat distribution Accumulation/redistribution of body fat including central obesity, dorsocervical fat enlargement (buffalo hump), peripheral wasting, facial wasting, breast enlargement, and “cushingoid appearance” has occurred in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. A causal relationship has not been established. Renal function impairment Dosage adjustment recommended. Lactic acidosis/Severe hepatomegaly with steatosis Exercise caution when administering lamivudine, particularly to those with known risk factors for liver disease. HIV-HBV coinfection Epivir-HBV tablets and oral solution contain a lower dose of the same active ingredient as Epivir tablets and oral solution (and lamivudine/zidovudine tablets used to treat HIV infection). The formulation and dosage of lamivudine in Epivir-HBV are not appropriate for patients infected with both HBV and HIV.

Interaction of Generic Epivir (Lamivudine) with Other Drugs

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: May decrease clearance of lamivudine, causing increase in its serum concentration.

Zidovudine: Lamivudine may cause increase in zidovudine serum concentration.

Side effects of Generic Epivir (Lamivudine)

CNS: Headache; neuropathy; dizziness; sleep disturbances; depression; insomnia and other sleep disorders; depressive disorders. DERMATOLOGIC: Rash; alopecia; pruritus. GI: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; anorexia; abdominal pain/cramps; dyspepsia; stomatitis. HEMATOLOGIC: Anemia; neutropenia; hyperglycemia; weakness; lactic acidosis; lymphadenopathy; splenomegaly; lactic steatosis. RESPIRATORY: Nasal signs and symptoms; cough; paresthesia; abnormal breath sounds/wheezing. OTHER: Malaise; fatigue; fever; chills; myalgia; arthralgia; pancreatitis; elevated liver enzymes; musculoskeletal pain; anaphylaxis; urticaria; rhabdomyolysis; peripheral neuropathy; hepatic steatosis; muscle weakness with CPK elevation; posttreatment exacerbation of hepatitis.