Epivir - Generic Equivalent (Lamivudine)

CHEMICAL NAME Lamivudine (la MIV ue deen)

Epivir (Lamivudine) is an antiviral medicine used to control the spread of HIV infection. It helps to reduce the overall spread of hepatitis B and HIV in the body. It is thus used to boost the immune system and its functions. It is not a cure for HIV and AIDS infection. 

It belongs to a class of drugs called as the Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors - NNRTI. It is used to treat HIV and the virus from causing effect on other body organs. 

Common side effects of using Epivir (Lamivudine) includes - Headache, dizziness, nausea, issue with sleeping, diarrhea.

However, much serious side effects may include - 

• Serious infection of liver or pancreas
• Severe pain in stomach 
• Loss of appetite
• Dark urine
• Extreme back pain
• Jaundice

Do not use the Epivir (Lamivudine) if you are allergic to it or if you have certain health issues like - liver and kidney disease.  The same may cause worst effect on your foetus health. Thus, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. 

Before you start using the medication, talk to your doctor about your existing medical conditions and medications that you are taking especially the Over the counter drugs. 

Similarly, avoid taking the medication if you are using medicines like lamivudine or emtricitabine, Biktarvy, Trizivir, Genvoya. Also, avoid anything that contains sorbitol as it may interact with the medication and cause serious problems.