EPIVIR HBV

Drug Name: EPIVIR HBV

EPIVIR HBV DESCRIPTION:
LAMIVUDINE-HBV - ORAL (lam-EYE-view-deen)

COMMON EPIVIR HBV BRAND NAME(S):
Epivir HBV

EPIVIR HBV SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur: fatigue, sore throat, fever. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, persistent or severe stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but serious side effects occur: rapid breathing, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet. An allergic reaction to EPIVIR HBV is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE EPIVIR HBV:
EPIVIR HBV: Take EPIVIR HBV by mouth, usually once daily; or take as directed by your doctor. May take with or without food. Take EPIVIR HBV exactly as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop taking EPIVIR HBV unless directed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. The safety and effectiveness of EPIVIR HBV after one year of use has not been established. The optimal duration of use of EPIVIR HBV is unknown. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Lamivudine-HBV is not appropriate for the treatment of patients infected with both hepatitis B and HIV. An HIV test is recommended both before and during treatment to ensure you receive appropriate treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Worsening of your condition, decreased response to therapy, or the occurrence of resistant strains of the virus may occur during or after treatment. Promptly report any new symptoms that occur during or after treatment to your doctor.

EPIVIR HBV WARNING:
Lactic acid build-up in the blood (lactic acidosis) and severe liver disease, including death, have been reported with the use of lamivudine, either alone or in combination with other drugs used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (e.g., zidovudine, ritonavir). HIV counseling and testing should be offered both before and during treatment to all patients using lamivudine-HBV. Lamivudine-HBV contains a lower dose of the drug lamivudine used to treat HIV infection. Use of lamivudine-HBV in patients with unknown or untreated HIV infection could result in resistant strains of HIV. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

EPIVIR HBV USES:
Lamivudine-HBV is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used to treat a chronic viral infection of the liver (hepatitis B). It works by slowing the growth of the virus. It is not a cure for hepatitis B and does not prevent the passing of hepatitis B to others.

EPIVIR HBV PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history especially of, infection with HIV; kidney, liver, blood, or pancreas problems; alcohol use, and of any allergies you may have. EPIVIR HBV may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using EPIVIR HBV in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of EPIVIR HBV. EPIVIR HBV should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication has not been shown to affect the transmission of hepatitis B from mother to infant. Consult your doctor for more information. It is not known if lamivudine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

EPIVIR HBV DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and current or previous use of HIV medications (e.g., lamivudine, zidovudine). This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., liver). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use EPIVIR HBV. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

EPIVIR HBV OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control or emergency room immediately.

EPIVIR HBV NOTES:
Do not share EPIVIR HBV with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress. Keep all laboratory and medical appointments during and for several months after treatment.

MISSED EPIVIR HBV DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

EPIVIR HBV STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.