Epivir

This page contains drug information on Epivir.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Epivir
the possible side effects of Epivir
what happens if you miss a dose of Epivir
what happens if you overdose with Epivir
the most important information about Epivir
how to use Epivir
other drugs that may affect Epivir
what to avoid while using Epivir
 
Generic Name: epivir (la MIH vue deen)
Brand Names: Epivir, Epivir HBV
 
What is the most important information I should know about epivir?
 •  Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of epivir, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort weakness and tiredness shortness of breath weakness in the arms and legs yellowing of the skin or eyes or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.
 •  Serious cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of epivir. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
 •  Avoid alcohol while taking epivir. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/ or liver.
 •  Follow your doctors instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. epivir does not reduce the risk of passing the HIV or hepatitis B virus to others.

What is epivir?
 •  epivir is an antiviral medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. epivir inhibits the reproduction of viruses in the body.
 •  The Epivir brand of epivir is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The Epivir-HBV brand of epivir is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
 •  epivir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking epivir?
 •  Before taking epivir, tell your doctor if you have:
      · kidney disease
      · liver disease
      · pancreatitis
      · problems with your muscles or
      · problems with your blood counts.
 •  You may not be able to take epivir, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  Each 15 mL (one tablespoon) dose of Epivir oral solution contains 3 grams of sucrose. Each 20 mL dose of Epivir-HBV oral solution contains 4 grams of sucrose. Individuals with diabetes may need to monitor their intake of this additive.
 •  epivir is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether epivir will be harmful to an unborn baby. It is very important to treat HIV/ AIDS during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infecting the baby. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
 •  It is not known whether epivir passes into breast milk and what effect it may have on a nursing baby. To prevent transmission of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that HIV-positive mothers not breast-feed.

How should I take epivir?
 •  Take epivir exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 •  epivir can be taken with or without food.
 •  For the treatment of HIV or AIDS, epivir is usually taken twice a day and is often used in combination with other HIV medicines. Follow your doctors instructions.
 •  For the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, epivir is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctors instructions.
 •  The amount of epivir in the Epivir-HBV tablets and oral solution is less than the amount in other epivir products used in the treatment of HIV/ AIDS such as Epivir, Combivir, and Trizivir. Epivir-HBV generally should not be used by patients who have both hepatitis B and HIV infection since this may cause the HIV virus to be less treatable with epivir and some other drugs.
 •  To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of epivir with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
 •  It is important to take epivir regularly to get the most benefit.
 •  Treatment of HIV/ AIDS almost always requires the use of two or more drugs. If you need to stop taking one of the medicines you are taking for HIV, you should stop all of them until you can talk to your doctor.
 •  Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with epivir to monitor progress and side effects.
 •  Store epivir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Symptoms of a epivir overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking epivir?
 •  Follow your doctors instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. epivir does not reduce the risk of passing the HIV or hepatitis B virus to others.
 •  Avoid alcohol while taking epivir. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/ or liver.

What are the possible side effects of epivir?
 •  Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of reverse transcriptase inhibitors, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort weakness and tiredness shortness of breath weakness in the arms and legs yellowing of the skin or eyes or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.
 •  Serious cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of epivir. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
 •  If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of your throat swelling of your lips, tongue, or face or hives), stop taking epivir and seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking epivir and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · fatigue or tiredness
      · mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite
      · headache
      · insomnia
      · dizziness
      · muscle or joint soreness
      · fever or chills
      · skin rash or
      · redistribution of body fat (loss of fat from the arms, legs, and face and increased fat around the neck, breast, and trunk).
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect epivir?
 •  epivir may interact with other medications resulting in reduced effectiveness and/ or side effects. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products.