Lamivudine is the generic name of the drug commercially known as Epivir, used in the treatment of AIDS in adults and children over 3 months of age, which helps reduce the amount of HIV in the body and the progression of the disease.
Lamivudine, produced by GlaxoSmithKline Laboratories, is one of the components of the 3-in-1 AIDS drug.
Lamivudine should only be used under medical prescription and in combination with other antiretroviral medicines used to treat HIV-positive patients.
Indications of Lamivudine
Lamivudine is indicated for the treatment of AIDS in adults and children over 3 months of age in combination with other medicines to treat AIDS.
Lamivudine does not cure AIDS or reduce the risk of transmission of the HIV virus, so the patient should maintain some precautions such as using condoms on all intimate contacts, not using or sharing used needles and personal items that may contain blood as to shave.
How to use Lamivudine
The mode of use of Lamivudine varies according to the age of the patient, being that:
- Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age: 1 tablet of 150 mg twice daily, in combination with other AIDS medicines;
- Children between 3 months and 12 years of age: 4 mg / kg, twice daily, up to 300 mg per day. For doses below 150 mg, it is recommended to use Epivir Oral Solution.
In case of kidney disease, the dose of Lamivudine can be changed, therefore it is always recommended to follow the doctor's instructions.
Side effects of Lamivudine
Side effects of Lamivudine include headache and stomach upset, tiredness, dizziness, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, pancreatitis, redness and itching of the skin, tingling sensation in the legs, pain in joints and muscles, hair loss, lactic acidosis and fat accumulation.
Contraindications of Lamivudine
Lamivudine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula, in children less than 3 months of age and weighing less than 14 kg, and in patients taking Zalcitabine.
However, it is important to consult your doctor in case of pregnancy or if you are trying to get pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetes, kidney problems and infection with the Hepatitis B virus, and inform if you are taking other medicines, vitamins or supplements.
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