Lamivir 150

LAMIVIR 150

Name

Brand Name: LAMIVIR 150 Common Name: Lamivudine (150 mg)

Composition

Each film-coated tablet contains Lamivudine 150 mg. Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).

Uses

LAMIVIR 150 is an antiviral medicine primarily used for the following conditions:

• HIV-1 Infection Treatment: It is used as an adjunct to other antiretroviral agents in progressive HIV infection. It helps control viral replication, improves immune function, and reduces the risk of HIV-related complications, thereby improving lifespan.
• Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection: It helps prevent the HBV virus from multiplying in the body, controlling the infection, and improving liver function.
• Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission: May be prescribed to pregnant women with HIV to reduce transmission risk.
• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Can be part of emergency treatment to prevent HIV infection after recent exposure.

Dosage and Administration

For HIV-1 infected adults, the recommended dosage is 300 mg daily, administered as either 150 mg taken orally twice daily, or 300 mg taken orally once daily. It can be taken with or without food.

For chronic hepatitis B infection, the adult dosage is typically 100 mg once daily.

Dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with renal impairment. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed, chewed, or broken.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting
• Malaise, fatigue, weakness
• Diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps
• Cough, nasal signs and symptoms
• Rash
• Insomnia
• Fever
• Arthralgia (joint pain)

Serious Side Effects:

• Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis (enlarged liver with fat), including fatal cases.
• Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B in co-infected patients who discontinue lamivudine.
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
• Immune reconstitution syndrome.
• Hepatic decompensation in patients co-infected with HIV-1 and Hepatitis C.
• Hearing loss.
• Blood disorders (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pure red cell aplasia).
• Angioedema, rhabdomyolysis.

Precautions

• Hypersensitivity: LAMIVIR 150 is contraindicated in patients with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to lamivudine.
• HIV and HBV Co-infection: Patients co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV should receive dosages appropriate for HIV-1 therapy as part of an appropriate combination regimen. Discontinuation of lamivudine in these patients can lead to severe exacerbations of hepatitis B.
• Liver and Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with liver problems, as it can worsen the condition. Dose adjustment is required for kidney impairment.
• Pancreatitis: Use with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis or other risk factors.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While use during pregnancy may decrease mother-to-fetus HIV transmission, consult a doctor. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended for HIV-positive mothers, and lamivudine can pass into breast milk.
• Alcohol: Caution is advised when consuming alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: May cause dizziness or sleepiness, so caution is advised.
• Not a Cure: LAMIVIR 150 does not cure HIV infection or chronic hepatitis B, nor does it prevent the transmission of HIV to others. It must be taken in combination with other antiretroviral medicines for HIV treatment.
• Drug Interactions: Ribavirin may decrease the anti-HIV-1 activity of lamivudine.

Storage

Store LAMIVIR 150 below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep out of reach of children.

Here are frequently asked questions about LAMIVIR 150 by Cipla Ltd:

What is LAMIVIR 150 used for?

LAMIVIR 150 is an antiviral medication primarily used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, the virus that causes AIDS. It is also used to treat chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. LAMIVIR 150 does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it helps to decrease the amount of HIV in the body, reducing the risk of complications and improving lifespan.

How does LAMIVIR 150 work?

LAMIVIR 150 contains lamivudine, which is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). Once inside the body, lamivudine is converted into an active form that interferes with the enzymes (HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and HBV polymerase) that viruses need to multiply. This prevents the viruses from replicating and spreading in human cells.

What is the usual dosage for LAMIVIR 150?

For HIV-1 infected adults, the recommended dosage is typically 300 mg daily, administered as either 150 mg taken orally twice daily, or 300 mg taken orally once daily. It can be taken with or without food. For chronic Hepatitis B infection in adults, the usual dose is 100 mg once daily. The dosage may need adjustment for patients with kidney problems.

What are the possible side effects of LAMIVIR 150?

Common side effects may include headache, nausea, malaise (general feeling of discomfort), fatigue, nasal symptoms, diarrhea, cough, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, insomnia, and joint pain. More serious, but less common, side effects can include lactic acidosis (a build-up of acid in the blood) and severe liver enlargement with fat (hepatomegaly with steatosis), and pancreatitis. It is important to inform your doctor if any side effects bother you or persist.

Is LAMIVIR 150 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

For pregnancy, LAMIVIR 150 is generally considered safe, and its benefits in controlling HIV or hepatitis B typically outweigh potential risks. It may be prescribed to reduce the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission. However, it is crucial to discuss with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan during pregnancy. During breastfeeding, LAMIVIR 150 is generally not recommended for HIV-positive mothers due to the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby through breast milk. The medication can also pass into breast milk.

Can LAMIVIR 150 be taken with other medications?

Yes, LAMIVIR 150 is typically prescribed in combination with other antiretroviral medications for HIV infection. You should inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as some medications can interact with lamivudine. For instance, drugs like trimethoprim can affect lamivudine's elimination, and certain medications like sorbitol can reduce lamivudine exposure.

What precautions should be taken while taking LAMIVIR 150?

Do not stop taking LAMIVIR 150 suddenly, especially if you also have Hepatitis B, as this can lead to a severe worsening of your hepatitis B infection. Exercise caution if you have liver or kidney problems, or a history of pancreatitis. LAMIVIR 150 may cause dizziness, so be careful when driving or operating machinery. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it may increase the risk of side effects or liver damage. This medicine does not prevent the transmission of HIV to others. Regular blood tests are needed to monitor liver function, Hepatitis B virus levels, and blood counts during treatment.

What happens if a dose of LAMIVIR 150 is missed?

If you miss a dose of LAMIVIR 150, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects.

How should LAMIVIR 150 be stored?

LAMIVIR 150 tablets should be stored below 30°C. Keep the medicine in a closed container, away from heat, direct sunlight, and moisture, and out of the reach of children.