What is this medication for?
Lamivudine is used in combination with other medications to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lamivudine is one of a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is a part of HIV required to infect cells and make more viruses. Lamivudine prevents reverse transcriptase from working properly.
Lamivudine does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others. It does slow further growth or reproduction of HIV when used in combination with other medications, and it seems to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help to delay the development of problems that are related to AIDS or HIV disease.
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.
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 (over 16 years of age) is 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily, taken with other antiretroviral medications. People wth kidney disease or impaired kidney function will require a lower dose of lamivudine. Doses for children from 3 months up to 16 years of age are determined by body weight (i.e., 4 mg per kilogram) up to a maximum of 150 mg twice daily. Lamivudine may be taken with or without food.
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.
If you are taking the liquid suspension, use a measuring spoon or measuring syringe that is marked for accurate 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.