Lamivudine

Before taking lamivudine-HBV, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using lamivudine-HBV, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis, HIV infection, kidney disease, blood disorders, liver disease.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Liquid preparations of lamivudine-HBV contain sugar (sucrose). If you are a diabetic using the liquid form of this drug, closer monitoring of your blood sugar is recommended as you begin using this drug. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially the increased risk of pancreatitis.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication has not been shown to prevent the passing of hepatitis B from the mother to the newborn. Consult your doctor for more information.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

HIV counseling and testing should be offered to all patients both before and during treatment with lamivudine-HBV. Lamivudine-HBV contains a lower dose of the drug lamivudine, which is used to treat HIV infection as well as hepatitis B. Use of lamivudine-HBV in patients with unknown or untreated HIV infection could result in new types of HIV virus that are more difficult to treat (drug-resistant).

Severe worsening of hepatitis has occurred when this medication is stopped. Liver and blood testing should continue for several months after lamivudine-HBV is stopped. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is: sorbitol.

Do not take this medication with other products (including those that treat HIV infection) that contain lamivudine.

Emtricitabine is similar to lamivudine and should not be taken with this medication.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as liver function tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using lamivudine-HBV and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take lamivudine-HBV by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Do not skip any doses.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Worsening of your condition, decreased response to medication, or development of drug-resistant types of the virus may occur during or after treatment. Promptly report any new symptoms that occur during or after treatment to your doctor.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

To avoid spreading hepatitis B to others, always use an effective barrier method (such as latex condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function, complete blood counts, hepatitis B virus DNA levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Different brands of this drug have different amounts of active drug. Do not switch brands of this medication without first checking with your doctor. If you have an HIV infection, you should be taking the higher-strength dosage. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.