What is this medication for?
Lamivudine belongs to a group of medications known as antivirals. It is used to treat certain people with chronic hepatitis B infection. It works by stopping the hepatitis B virus from reproducing.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Epivir-HBV® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose for adults and adolescents 18 years of age and older is 100 mg (one tablet or 20 mL oral solution) once daily for the tablets or the oral solution. The dose for children from 2 to 17 years of age is based on body weight (3 mg per kilogram daily up to a maximum of 100 mg daily). People with reduced kidney function may require a lower dose, as directed by their doctor.
Lamivudine can be taken with or without food. If you are taking the oral solution, use a measuring device (e.g., an oral syringe or a measuring spoon) that is marked for accurate dosing.
Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better. Do not stop taking this medication without telling your doctor. If you forget many doses in a row, talk to your doctor about how to resume dosing.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Lamivudine should not be used by anyone who is allergic to lamivudine or to any of the ingredients of the medication.