Uses of Lamivudine Tablets:
- It is used to treat hepatitis B infection.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Lamivudine Tablets?
- If you have an allergy to lamivudine or any other part of this medicine (lamivudine tablets).
- If you are allergic to this medicine (lamivudine tablets); any part of this medicine (lamivudine tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you are taking another drug that has the same drug in it.
- If you are taking emtricitabine.
- If you are taking a drug that has sorbitol in it.
- If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (lamivudine tablets).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (lamivudine tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Lamivudine Tablets?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (lamivudine tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors.
- Rarely, this medicine (lamivudine tablets) may cause a swollen liver and a buildup of acid in the blood. Sometimes, this may be deadly. The risk may be higher in women, in overweight people, and in people who have taken drugs like this one for a long time.
- A pancreas problem (pancreatitis) has happened in children taking lamivudine with or without other HIV drugs. Sometimes this has been deadly. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you have never had hepatitis care before.
- This medicine is not a cure for hepatitis infection. Stay under the care of your doctor.
- If giving this medicine (lamivudine tablets) to your child and your child's weight changes, talk with the doctor. The dose of this medicine (lamivudine tablets) may need to be changed.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (lamivudine tablets) while you are pregnant.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Signs of too much lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis) like fast breathing, fast heartbeat, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, very bad upset stomach or throwing up, feeling very sleepy, shortness of breath, feeling very tired or weak, very bad dizziness, feeling cold, or muscle pain or cramps.
- Signs of a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
- A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
- Low mood (depression).
What are some other side effects of Lamivudine Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Headache.
- Upset stomach.
- Diarrhea.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Dizziness.
- Nose or throat irritation.
- Ear irritation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.