EPIVIR

Drug Uses
Epivir is used for treatment of HIV infection in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken
Use Epivir as directed by your doctor. Take Epivir with or without a meal. Continue to take Epivir even if you feel well. Taking Epivir at the same time(s) each day will help you remember to take it.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Epivir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Epivir, if you have a history of muscle or pancreas problems, abnormal blood cell counts, liver disease (eg, hepatitis) or other liver problems (eg, abnormal liver function tests), kidney problems, diabetes, lactic acidosis, a nerve disorder or you are very overweight, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Epivir during pregnancy. Epivir is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Epivir. HIV–infected mothers should not breast–feed their infants because of the risk of transmitting the HIV infection or Epivir. Some medicines may interact with Epivir. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Epivir if you are taking zalcitabine or other medicines containing lamivudine. When your medicine supply begins to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. The virus may develop resistance to Epivir and become more difficult to treat if you stop taking it, even for a short period of time. Epivir does not cure HIV infection and patients may continue to acquire illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor. Epivir does not protect from the transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with HIV. Do not share needles, other injection equipment, or personal items such as toothbrushes or razor blades. Cases of worsening liver disease have been reported when Epivir is stopped in patients with both HIV and hepatitis B virus infection. Discuss any medicine changes with your doctor. If you have hepatitis B virus infection, your doctor will perform lab tests for several months after you stop taking Epivir. Some patients have had worsening hepatitis B virus after stopping use of Epivir. Tell your doctor about any new or unusual symptoms that you notice after stopping treatment. Epivir may affect your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic, check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine. Use Epivir with caution in children younger than 3 months of age, children who have taken other HIV medicines, or those who have a history of pancreas problems because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Changes in body fat, chills, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, general body discomfort, headache, indigestion, loss of appetite, muscle or joint pain, nausea, runny/stuffy nose, sleeplessness, stomach cramps. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), dark urine, depression (mental or mood changes), enlarged stomach, increased heart rate, numbness, tingling, or weakening of the arms or legs, persistent sore throat, chills, or fever, severe muscle or joint pain, severe or persistent nausea, stomach tenderness or pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual weakness or exhaustion, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Storage
Store Epivir at 77 °F (25 °C). Brief storage at 59 to 86 °F (15 to 30 °C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Epivir out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately.

More Information
Epivir may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may worsen if Epivir is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Epivir with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Epivir should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.