Lamivudine Solution (Hepatitis B)

What is this medication?

LAMIVUDINE (la MIV yoo deen) treats infections caused by the hepatitis B virus. It works by limiting the spread of the virus in your body. It does not kill the virus and it may still be possible to spread the virus to others.  It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Epivir HBV

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Diabetes
• HIV or AIDs
• Kidney disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to lamivudine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses can make the hepatitis B virus resistant to this and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Other lamivudine medications
• Sorbitol-containing medications

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider 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 should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms get worse or if you have new symptoms.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

Hepatitis B is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of hepatitis B.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your care team. The symptoms of hepatitis B may worsen when you stop taking this medication. Your care team will check your liver and general health for several months after treatment is stopped.

Make sure you have the correct formulation of this medication. The products used to help manage HIV symptoms contain a higher dose of lamivudine than the products used to treat hepatitis B. It is important that you take the right dose. If you have both HIV and hepatitis B, you need to take the product for HIV. Taking the wrong dose can make HIV change, which can cause the medication to not work as well. This makes it hard to stay healthy.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High lactic acid level—muscle pain or cramps, stomach pain, trouble breathing, general discomfort and fatigue
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

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

• Diarrhea
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.