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All price changes →Indications & Uses
Lamivudine is used to treat HIV infection, and doctors prescribe it together with other antiretroviral medicines.
Pharmacology
Lamivudine is a synthetic nucleoside analogue. Inside the cell it is phosphorylated to lamivudine triphosphate. The monophosphate form is then built into viral DNA by hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase, and this ends the DNA chain. Lamivudine triphosphate also blocks the RNA and DNA dependent DNA polymerase activities of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). It is only a very weak inhibitor of mammalian alpha, beta and gamma-DNA polymerases.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age: the recommended dose of lamivudine for HIV infection is 300 mg daily, given as 150 mg twice daily.
Children: For children from three months to 12 years of age, the recommended dose is 4 mg/kg twice daily, up to a maximum of 300 mg daily. For babies under three months of age, the limited data available are not enough to suggest a specific dose.
Side Effects
These side effects have been reported during treatment of HIV disease with Lamivudine [For HIV Infection]. Blood and lymphatic systems disorders: neutropenia, anaemia and thrombocytopenia are uncommon, and pure red cell aplasia is very rare. Nervous system disorders: headache and insomnia are common, while cases of peripheral neuropathy (or paraesthesia) are very rare. Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: cough and nasal symptoms are common. Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps and diarrhea are common. Rises in serum amylase are rare, and cases of pancreatitis have been reported. Hepatobiliary disorders: transient rises in liver enzymes (AST, ALT) are uncommon, and hepatitis is rare. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: rash and alopecia are common. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: arthralgia and muscle disorders are common, while rhabdomyolysis and lipodystrophy are rare. General disorders and administration site conditions: fatigue, malaise and fever are common. Cases of lactic acidosis, usually associated with severe hepatomegaly and hepatic steatosis, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Lamivudine is not recommended as monotherapy. Use it with caution in children who have had a nucleoside antiretroviral before, who have a history of pancreatitis, or who have other significant risk factors for developing pancreatitis. Stop the treatment immediately if clinical signs, symptoms or laboratory abnormalities suggest pancreatitis. Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with nucleoside analogues used alone or in combination, including lamivudine and other antiretrovirals. Most of these cases were in women. Obesity and prolonged nucleoside exposure may be risk factors. Take particular care when giving this medicine to any patient with known risk factors for liver disease. In patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, the dose should be adjusted. Patients receiving this medicine or any other antiretroviral therapy can still develop opportunistic infections and other complications of HIV infection, so they should stay under close clinical observation by physicians experienced in treating HIV-related diseases.
Contraindications
Don't give Lamivudine to anyone who is hypersensitive to it or to any of the excipients.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Lamivudine is Pregnancy Category C, which means its safety in human pregnancy has not been established.
Lactation: after it is taken by mouth, Lamivudine passes into breast milk at similar concentrations to those found in serum. For that reason, mothers who are taking Lamivudine are advised not to breast-feed their infants.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Keep Lamivudine tablets in a cool and dry place, away from light and moisture. The oral solution also needs a cool and dry place and should be kept away from light.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Avilam 150 mg
What is Avilam 150 mg Tablet?
Avilam 150 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Lamivudine [For HIV Infection]. It is made by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Drugs for HIV / Anti-retroviral drugs group of medicines.
What is Avilam used for?
Lamivudine is used to treat HIV infection, and doctors prescribe it together with other antiretroviral medicines.
What are the side effects of Avilam?
These side effects have been reported during treatment of HIV disease with Lamivudine [For HIV Infection]. Blood and lymphatic systems disorders: neutropenia, anaemia and thrombocytopenia are uncommon, and pure red cell aplasia is very rare.
Can I take Avilam during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Lamivudine is Pregnancy Category C, which means its safety in human pregnancy has not been established. Lactation: after it is taken by mouth, Lamivudine passes into breast milk at similar concentrations to those found in serum. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Avilam?
Keep Lamivudine tablets in a cool and dry place, away from light and moisture. The oral solution also needs a cool and dry place and should be kept away from light.
Can I take other medicines with Avilam?
Some medicines can interact with Lamivudine [For HIV Infection], for example: Trimethoprim. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Avilam is already among the lowest-priced brands of Lamivudine [For HIV Infection] at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Avilam?
Avilam is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.