Epivir HBV
Buy Epivir HBV
Epivir HBV (Lamivudine) is used to treat a chronic viral infection of the liver (hepatitis B).
Drug Name
Epivir HBV (Lamivudine)
Drug Uses
Epivir-HBV is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, used to treat a chronic viral infection of the liver (hepatitis B). It works by slowing the growth of the virus. It is not a cure for hepatitis B and does not prevent the passing of hepatitis B to others.
How Taken
Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily; or take as directed by your doctor. May take with or without food. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop taking this medication unless directed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. The safety and effectiveness of this medication after one year of use has not been established. The optimal duration of use of this medication is unknown. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Epivir-HBV is not appropriate for the treatment of patients, infected with both hepatitis B and HIV. An HIV test is recommended both before and during treatment to ensure you receive appropriate treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Worsening of your condition, decreased response to therapy, or the occurrence of resistant strains of the virus may occur during or after treatment. Promptly report any new symptoms that occur during or after treatment to your doctor.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Lamivudine (generic name for Epivir HBV) is an analogue of cytidine. It can inhibit both types (1 and 2) of HIV reverse transcriptase and also the reverse transcriptase of hepatitis B. It needs to be phosphorylated to its triphosphate form before it is active. 3TC-triphosphate also inhibits cellular DNA polymerase.Lamivudine is administered orally, and it is rapidly absorbed with a bio-availability of over 80%. Some research suggests that lamivudine can cross the blood-brain barrier. Lamivudine is often given in combination with zidovudine, with which it is highly synergistic. Lamivudine treatment has been shown to restore zidovudine sensitivity of previously resistant HIV. Several mutagenicity tests show that lamivudine should not show a mutagenic activity in therapeutical doses.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
US product: Store the tablets at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage from 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store the oral solution at room temperature 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C). Canadian product: Store the tablets between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 and 30 degrees C). Store the oral solution between 59 to 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C). Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
