Lamivudine 150mg

Lamivudine 150mg Uses

Lamivudine 150mg is prescribed to:

• Treat HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• Manage chronic hepatitis B infection to reduce viral replication and prevent liver damage.
• Decrease the risk of complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in HBV patients.

How Does Lamivudine 150mg Work

Lamivudine is an NRTI that works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for the replication of HIV and HBV. By incorporating itself into the viral DNA, it halts the virus’s ability to replicate, reducing the viral load and slowing disease progression.

How to Use Lamivudine 150mg

• Take Lamivudine 150mg exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once or twice daily.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food.
• Adhere to the prescribed dosing schedule to maintain consistent drug levels and prevent resistance.
• Do not stop taking Lamivudine without consulting your doctor, as this may worsen your condition.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Headache or fatigue
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Diarrhea

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Lactic acidosis, with symptoms like unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, or extreme fatigue
• Severe liver problems, with symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain
• Pancreatitis, with symptoms like severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting

Drug Interactions

Lamivudine 150mg may interact with:

• Other antiviral medications, which may require dose adjustments to avoid toxicity.
• Trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole, which may increase Lamivudine levels.
• Drugs affecting kidney function, which may alter the elimination of Lamivudine.

Food Interactions

• Lamivudine 150mg can be taken with or without food.
• Maintain a healthy diet to support immune function and liver health.

Lamivudine 150mg Contraindications

This medication is not suitable for:

• Individuals allergic to Lamivudine or any of its components.
• Patients with a history of pancreatitis unless closely monitored by a healthcare provider.

Precautions and Warnings

• Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney problems, or a weakened immune system.
• Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor liver function, kidney function, and viral load.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss the risks and benefits of using Lamivudine with their doctor.
• Do not share this medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms.

Storage

• Store Lamivudine 150mg tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Keep the tablets in their original packaging and out of reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of unused or expired tablets responsibly, following local disposal guidelines.

Safety Information

• Use Lamivudine 150mg only as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication abruptly without medical advice.
• Report any unusual symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, to your healthcare provider immediately.