WHAT IS Epivir/Lamivudine TABLETS?

LAMIVUDINE/Epivir , 3TC is an antiretroviral drug. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Epivir/Lamivudine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Epivir/Lamivudine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Epivir/Lamivudine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.

If you have hepatitis B and HIV, talk to your doctor if you plan to stop this medicine. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse if you stop this medicine.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Epivir/Lamivudine?

• sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim, SMX-TMP
• emtricitabine
• trimethoprim
• ribavirin/Rebetol
• zalcitabine, ddC
• other lamivudine/Epivir medicines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Epivir/Lamivudine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• breathing difficulties
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• nausea, vomiting, unusual stomach upset or pain
• muscle pain or weakness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unusually weak or tired
• depressed mood

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough
• dizziness
• headache
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• difficulty sleeping
• loss of appetite
• runny, stuffy nose
• weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Epivir/Lamivudine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lamivudine/Epivir , other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.