Epivir
Generic Name:
Lamivudine
Brand Names:
Epivir
Epivir Description:
Epivir is the trade name for lamivudine, which belongs to a class of medicines known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. Lamivudine in combination with zidovudine is used in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients with HIV utilize Epivir to stop the reproduction of HIV cells in the body.
Lamivudine is structurally a nucleoside analogue which must be used in combination with other antiretroviral compounds to prevent the spreading of HIV. Lamivudine may cause a severe chemical imbalance known as lactic acidosis.
Epivir Uses:
Epivir is used to treat adults and children with HIV. The medication does not reduce the number of HIV-related health issues, but it controls the virus from spreading to other parts of the body through reproduction. If Epivir usage is stopped even for a small duration of time, the virus becomes immune to lamivudine and becomes harder to treat.
Epivir may cause serious side effects, so patients must receive a medical checkup by a doctor once every three to six months.
Epivir in the form of an injection is also preventive against HIV for health care workers who may come in accidental contact with infected blood, used syringes or other bodily fluids.
Epivir-HBV, another brand of lamivudine, is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B, though the medication should not be used by patients with hepatitis B and HIV.
Epivir Interactions:
Doctors need to be informed of all the prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medicines taken by patients, especially patients who take a medicine which contains one of the following drugs:
- Trimethoprim
- Sulfamethaoxazole like Bactrim and Septra
- Efavirenz
- Emtricitabine
- Tenofovir
- Ribavirin
- Interferon Alfa 2a
- Interferon Alfa 2b
Epivir Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
The dosage of Epivir differs from patient to patient. The dosages provided below are only the average dosages prescribed by doctors. If a patient is prescribed a dosage lower or higher than the dosage shown here, he/she should not change their dosage unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
For adults weighing above 50 kilograms (110 pounds) taking Epivir for HIV-1, the medication is typically taken in 150mg doses twice a day. It must be taken along with other HIV medications. For adults weighing below 50 kilograms, the average dosage is 2mg per kilogram body weight. It must be taken twice a day and along with other HIV medications.
For children between the age of 3 months and 16 years, the usual dosage is 4mg per kilogram body weight which can reach up to 150mg per day. It must be taken twice a day and along with other HIV medications. For children less than 3 months old, the dosage and frequency must be determined by the doctor. Safety of lamivudine in pediatric patients has not been proven due to lack of studies. Epivir is prescribed to children only if the benefits caused by the drug outweigh the potential risks.
Patients who are affected by both HIV and Hepatitis-B must follow the HIV dosing schedule. Epivir is taken only once in 12 hours and an excessive amount should never be taken. The dosage may be adjusted according to the patient’s renal functions.
Missing a Dose
Epivir should never be missed as the drug is most effective when there is a constant amount of lamivudine in the blood. Epivir should not be stopped without the consent of a doctor as the virus may become immune to the medicine.
A missed Epivir dose must be taken as soon as it is discovered. But if it is almost time for the next dosage, it can be skipped and the patient can continue with the regular dosage. A double dose must never be done as this may be fatal.
Overdosing
Epivir in excess amounts can cause very serious complications and emergency medical attention must be sought if a patient overdoses on the medication. Death due to overdose is higher in women, overweight or obese patients and those who have taken Epivir for a long period of time.
Overdosing may cause swelling of the liver or a condition called as lactic acidosis.
Epivir FDA Approval:
November 17, 1995
Epivir Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are currently no recalls for Epivir.
Risk of Serious Side Effects
Epivir carries a Black Box Warning for the risk of serious side effects, including liver damage and lactic acidosis. Epivir patients must get checked frequently by a doctor to detect any complications at an early stage. This is very important in the case of children taking the medication. Epivir must never be discontinued even for a short period of time as the virus may become immune once the levels of lamivudine in the blood drop making it harder to treat the virus.
Not Interchangeable Forms
Epivir carries a Black Box Warning noting that Epivir is different from Epivir-HBV, which is used to treat Hepatitis B virus. Epivir and Epivir-HBV cannot be interchanged. If a patient is infected with both HIV and HBV, it is sufficient if they take Epivir, as Epivir has a higher content of lamivudine. Epivir slows down the destruction of the immune system by HIV.
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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