Lamivudine

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last updated on 12/07/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Lamivudine

CHINESE NAME: 拉米夫定

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: 3TC 欣平芝

DRUG CLASS: Antiretrovirals

SUB CLASS: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

USED FOR: HIV infection, Hepatitis B virus infection

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 100 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg (tablets)
– 10 mg/ml (oral solution)

What is Lamivudine for?

Lamivudine belongs to a class of medication called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus from multiplying in your body. It is used to treat HIV in adults and children over 3 months old and hepatitis B. HIV is the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Lamivudine is not a cure for HIV infection or AIDS, however, it reduces the amount of HIV in your body so that your immune system works better.

How to use it?

Lamivudine is available as a tablet or oral solution, which may be taken with or without food. If you are taking oral solution, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed, and use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure the prescribed dose.

HIV infection (Used in combination with other antiretroviral)
Adult
150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily.
Child over 3 months
The maximum dosage for children is 300 mg daily.
30 kg and over: 150 mg twice daily.
22-30 kg: 75 mg in the morning and 150 mg at night.
14-21 kg: 75 mg twice daily.
Less than 14 kg: Use oral solution. 4 mg per kg body weight twice daily.

Chronic hepatitis B
Adult
100 mg once daily. For patients with concomitant HIV infection, use 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily.
Child 2-17 years
3 mg per kg body weight once daily. Maximum dosage is 100 mg daily.

What are the side effects of Lamivudine?

Common side effects of Lamivudine include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, joint or muscle pain, cough, runny nose or irritation, sore throat, chills, fever, tiredness, rashes, loss of appetite, indigestion and difficulty sleeping.

Who should not take Lamivudine?

People allergic to Lamivudine or any component of the formulation.

Pharmacist Tips:

– Continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor to limit the risk of transferring HIV to others.
– Use an effective barrier method, such as condoms or dental dams, during sexual activity to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV.
– Do not share personal items that may have contacted blood or other body fluids, such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes and razors.

Common dosing schedule:
Lamivudine is taken once or twice daily. Try to take it at the same time each day.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Lamivudine may interact with:
– Antibiotics, e.g. Trimethoprim, Cotrimoxazole
– Antivirals, e.g. Ganciclovir, Ribavirin

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Lamivudine in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Lamivudine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Lamivudine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.