Lamivudine Viatris (Lamivudine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Lamivudine Viatris Used For?
Lamivudine Viatris contains the active ingredient lamivudine, which belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals. It is used together with other antiviral medications to help manage HIV infection.
Primary Uses
Lamivudine Viatris is used together with other antivirals to slow down the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other related illnesses such as AIDS-related Complex (ARC).
How It Works
Lamivudine Viatris does not cure AIDS or kill the HIV virus, but it prevents further damage to your immune system by stopping the production of new viruses.
Good to know: Lamivudine Viatris is not addictive.
How to Take Lamivudine Viatris
Take Lamivudine Viatris exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The medication should be taken regularly at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dosage for adults and adolescents 12 years and older is one 150 mg tablet twice a day or 300 mg once a day. For younger children between 3 months to 12 years of age, the dose will depend on their weight in kilograms. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. If you cannot swallow the tablet, you may crush it and combine with a small amount of food or drink and take all of the dose immediately.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking it as you would normally. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. Never stop taking Lamivudine Viatris suddenly or change the dose without talking to your doctor.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- upper abdominal pain
- headache
- high temperature
- lethargy
- fatigue
- hair loss
- joint and muscle pain
- skin rash
- increased bruising or bleeding
- numbness or weakness of arms and legs
- unusual feelings like numbness, burning, tingling or pins and needles
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- lumpy skin rash or hives
- swelling of face, lips, mouth, or throat
- wheezing, chest pain or tightness
- fainting (allergic reaction)
- severe stomach pain or cramps with nausea or vomiting (pancreatitis)
- fast breathing with high acid levels in blood (lactic acidosis)
- inflammatory reactions within first few weeks of treatment
Important Warnings
Before taking Lamivudine Viatris, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current health conditions with your doctor to ensure this medication is safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Lamivudine Viatris
Do not take Lamivudine Viatris if you are allergic to lamivudine or any of the ingredients listed. Do not take if the expiry date has passed or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had: liver problems (jaundice, hepatitis, enlarged liver, liver scarring), kidney problems, problems with your pancreas, diabetes, or any other illness. Also inform your doctor if you have risk factors for liver problems such as excessive alcohol intake, illegal intravenous drug use with shared equipment, or iron or copper storage disorders.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Lamivudine Viatris during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Hepatitis B Warning: If you have a long-standing viral infection of your liver (hepatitis B), it may flare up when you stop taking Lamivudine Viatris. This can cause serious illness, particularly if your liver is already not working very well.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Lamivudine Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.
Important: Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Lamivudine Viatris.
- medicines
- vitamins
- supplements bought without prescription
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Lamivudine Viatris, as the medication may affect your ability to perform these activities safely.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as this is important information for your treatment plan.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Lamivudine Viatris affects you. The medication may cause lethargy or fatigue in some people.
Storage
Keep Lamivudine Viatris in the bottle with the cap tightly closed until you take them. Store in a cool dry place where it stays below 30°C, away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot see or reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above the ground is ideal.
Overdose Information
If you think that you or anyone else has taken too many Lamivudine Viatris tablets, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lamivudine Viatris helps control your HIV condition but does not cure it, so you will need to take the tablets every day. Do not stop taking your medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Yes, you can take Lamivudine Viatris with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, or if you cannot swallow it whole, you may crush it and combine with a small amount of food or drink.
No, Lamivudine Viatris is not addictive.
Do not stop taking Lamivudine Viatris suddenly without talking to your doctor. If you have hepatitis B, stopping suddenly may cause it to flare up, which can cause serious illness, particularly if your liver is already not working well.
Yes, you can still pass on the HIV virus when taking Lamivudine Viatris through sexual activity or contamination with infected blood, although the risk is lowered by effective antiretroviral therapy. Discuss with your doctor the precautions needed to avoid infecting other people.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking it normally. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Never take a double dose.
Yes, keep in regular contact with your doctor. While taking Lamivudine Viatris, you may continue to develop other infections and complications of HIV infection, so ongoing monitoring is important.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.