(Azidothymidine) Lamivudine
Prescription Required
| Composition | Lamivudine Or Azidothymidine |
| Therapeutic Class | Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) |
| Dosages | Directed To The Physician |
| Uses | Effective against HIV-1 infection, For prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission, and use for prevention of HIV infection in newborns. |
| Side effects | Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue, Headache, Decreased appetite, Muscle pain, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea |
| Habit Forming | No Habit Forming |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Warnings – Sometimes patients miss a dose of their medicine, so the patient should take the missed dose as soon as possible. But if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose but do not double the dose. This could be dangerous. | |
The Connection between HBV and Lamivudine
HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) is a highly infectious virus that affects the human liver. It is not only responsible for causing Hepatitis B and C infections, but also a major contributor to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Lamivudine, commonly known by its brand name Epivir-HBV, is a prominent medication used in the treatment of HBV infections.
How Lamivudine Works
Engaging in the Battle against the Virus
Lamivudine belongs to a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs), which means it helps inhibit the development of the virus. The virus requires a specific enzyme present in human life for its development, known as reverse transcriptase. This enzyme converts the virus’s genetic material from RNA to DNA, allowing the creation of new viral copies. By blocking the function of this crucial enzyme, Lamivudine effectively prevents the virus’s development, thus aiding in controlling the infection.
Benefits and Uses of Lamivudine
1. Treatment of HBV Infections
Lamivudine, marketed as Epivir-HBV, finds extensive use in the treatment of HBV infections and stands as a major and effective medication against the HBV virus.
2. Management of Liver Cirrhosis
Lamivudine can also be employed as an auxiliary treatment for liver cirrhosis, a condition characterized by abnormal liver growth due to viral infections.
In Brief
Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) plays a vital role in combating HBV infections and their associated complications. Its mechanism of action, focused on inhibiting the virus’s growth, marks it as a significant weapon in the medical arsenal against HBV-related ailments.
