Epivir

Lamivudine pill What kind of medication is this? LAMIVUDINE is a medication that is used to treat retroviruses. In combination with other medications, it is used to treat HIV. This medication does not treat or cure HIV in any way. It will not prevent the HIV virus from spreading to other people. Before I start using this medication, what information is important for my physician to have? People have a right to know if you suffer from any of the following conditions: renal disease illness of the liver response to lamivudine, other medications, foods, colors, or preservatives that is uncommon or allergic in nature breastfeeding women who are either pregnant or attempting to conceive a child What is the correct way to take this medication? This medication should be taken orally with a full glass of water. You can take this medication either with or without food. Either way is OK. Always remember to take your medication at the prescribed times. Do not take your medication more frequently than recommended by the label. If you want your anti-HIV treatment to be as effective as it can be, make sure to take each dose exactly as directed. Even if you start to feel better, you should not miss doses of your medication or stop taking it altogether. It is possible that skipping doses will cause the HIV virus to become resistant to this medication as well as other medications. Do not discontinue taking unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor. Have a discussion with your child's physician about the possibility of giving them this medication. There are some circumstances in which this medication may be administered, but there are also certain warnings associated with its use. In the event that you believe you may have taken an excessive amount of this medication, you should immediately contact a poison control center or an emergency facility. PLEASE TAKE NOTE That no one else should use this medication. It is important that others not use this medication. What should I do if I forget a dose? If you forget to take a dosage, you should take it as soon as you remember it. Take only that dose if it is getting close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take duplicate or additional dosages. What other substances could react with this medication? emtricitabine other lamivudine medications ribavirin sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim, SMX-TMP trimethoprim zalcitabine, ddC It's probable that this list doesn't cover all of the possible interactions. Provide your doctors and other medical staff with a list of any and all medications, herbs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements that you use. Additionally let them know whether you are a smoker, a drinker, or if you take any illicit substances. It's possible that certain things might react badly with your medication. What side effects should I be on the lookout for while I'm taking this medication? Check in with your primary care physician or another qualified medical expert on a regular basis. Talk to your doctor about any new symptoms you've noticed. When you are on this medication, you will need to have significant blood work performed. The HIV virus can be passed on to other people through sexual contact or by blood contact. Have a conversation with your primary care provider about ways to prevent the further spread of HIV. If you have hepatitis B and HIV, you should discuss your plans to discontinue taking this medication with your doctor first. If you stop using this medication, the symptoms of hepatitis B may become more severe. What possible negative reactions may I have to this medication? You should report the following side effects to your physician or another qualified medical expert as soon as possible: Symptoms of an allergic response may include a rash, itching, or hives on the skin; swelling of the cheeks, lips, or tongue; and difficulty breathing. mood that is depressed aching muscles or a lack of strength gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort that is not typical; pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet abnormally low levels of strength or fatigue yellowing of the skin or eyes Adverse effects that, in most cases, do not need seeking medical attention (although you should let your doctor or another health care expert know if they persist or become bothersome): cough diarrhea\sdifficulty sleeping dizziness hair loss headache lack of hunger and appetite runny, stuffy nose Gain of weight around the waist and back, as well as thinning of the face, arms, and legs It's conceivable that this list doesn't cover all of the potential negative consequences. Where exactly may I store my medication? Be sure that youngsters can't get their hands on it. Keep at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). After the expiration date, any medicine that has been used but not finished should be thrown away.