Lamivudine

Generic Name: lamivudine

Hepatitis B Virus Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Lamivudine

11 DESCRIPTION Lamivudine is a synthetic nucleoside analogue with activity against HIV-1 and HBV. The drug substance used in lamivudine tablets, USP 150 mg and 300 mg is lamivudine in the form of lamivudine methanol solvate. The chemical name of lamivudine methanol solvate is (2R,cis)-4-amino-1-(2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)-2(1H)-pyrimidinone methanol solvate. It has a molecular formula of C 8 H 11 N 3 O 3 S·0.2CH 4 O and a molecular weight of 235.66 g/mol.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Lamivudine is a synthetic nucleoside analogue with activity against HIV-1 and HBV. The drug substance used in lamivudine tablets, USP 150 mg and 300 mg is lamivudine in the form of lamivudine methanol solvate. The chemical name of lamivudine methanol solvate is (2R,cis)-4-amino-1-(2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)-2(1H)-pyrimidinone methanol solvate. It has a molecular formula of C 8 H 11 N 3 O 3 S·0.2CH 4 O and a molecular weight of 235.66 g/mol.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Lamivudine tablets are a nucleoside analogue indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Limitations of Use: The dosage of this product is for HIV-1 and not for HBV. Lamivudine tablets are a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Limitations of Use: The dosage of this product is for HIV-1 and not for HBV. ( 1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults: 300 mg daily, administered as either 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily. ( 2.1 ) Pediatric Patients Aged 3 Months and Older: Administered either once or twice daily. Dose should be calculated on body weight (kg) and should not exceed 300 mg daily. ( 2.2 ) Patients with Renal Impairment: Doses of lamivudine tablets must be adjusted in accordance with renal function. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage for Adult Patients The recommended dosage of lamivudine tablets in HIV-1-infected adults is 300 mg daily, administered as either 150 mg taken orally twice daily or 300 mg taken orally once daily with or without food.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Exacerbations of hepatitis B [ see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5. 2)]. Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Immune reconstitution syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. The most common reported adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 15%) in adults were headache, nausea, malaise and fatigue, nasal signs and symptoms, diarrhea, and cough. ( 6.1 ) The most common reported adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 15%) in pediatric subjects were fever and cough. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Apotex Inc.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Sorbitol: Coadministration of lamivudine and sorbitol may decrease lamivudine concentrations; when possible, avoid chronic coadministration. ( 7.2 )

Warnings

WARNING: EXACERBATIONS OF HEPATITIS B, AND DIFFERENT FORMULATIONS OF LAMIVUDINE TABLETS. Exacerbations of Hepatitis B Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and have discontinued lamivudine tablets. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Co-infected HIV-1/HBV Patients: Emergence of lamivudine-resistant HBV variants associated with lamivudine-containing antiretroviral regimens has been reported. ( 5.1 ) Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues. ( 5.2 ) Pancreatitis: Use with caution in pediatric patients with a history of pancreatitis or other significant risk factors for pancreatitis. Discontinue treatment as clinically appropriate. ( 5.3 ) Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Lamivudine tablets are contraindicated in patients with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to lamivudine. Lamivudine tablets are contraindicated in patients with previous hypersensitivity reaction to lamivudine. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to lamivudine tablets during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263. Risk Summary Available data from the APR show no difference in the overall risk of birth defects for lamivudine compared with the background rate for birth defects of 2.7% in the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) reference population (see Data).

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Lamivudine tablets, USP 150 mg are white to off-white, diamond shaped, biconvex film-coated tablets, engraved “APO” on one side, “LMV” score “150” on the other side. They are supplied as follows: Bottle of 60 tablets (NDC 60429-353-60) with child-resistant closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lamivudine used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Lamivudine tablets are a nucleoside analogue indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Limitations of Use: The dosage of this product is for HIV-1 and not for HBV. Lamivudine tablets are a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Limitations of Use: The dosage of this product is for HIV-1 and not for HBV. ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Lamivudine?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Exacerbations of hepatitis B [ see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5. 2)]. Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Immune reconstitution syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. The most common reported adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 15%) in adults were headache, nausea, malaise and fatigue, nasal signs and symptoms, diarrhea, and cough. ( 6.1 ) The most common reported adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 15%) in pediatric subjects were fever and cough. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Apotex Inc.

Can I take Lamivudine during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to lamivudine tablets during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263. Risk Summary Available data from the APR show no difference in the overall risk of birth defects for lamivudine compared with the background rate for birth defects of 2.7% in the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) reference population (see Data).

What are the important warnings for Lamivudine?

WARNING: EXACERBATIONS OF HEPATITIS B, AND DIFFERENT FORMULATIONS OF LAMIVUDINE TABLETS. Exacerbations of Hepatitis B Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and have discontinued lamivudine tablets. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Co-infected HIV-1/HBV Patients: Emergence of lamivudine-resistant HBV variants associated with lamivudine-containing antiretroviral regimens has been reported. ( 5.1 ) Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues. ( 5.2 ) Pancreatitis: Use with caution in pediatric patients with a history of pancreatitis or other significant risk factors for pancreatitis. Discontinue treatment as clinically appropriate. ( 5.3 ) Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Lamivudine tablets are contraindicated in patients with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to lamivudine. Lamivudine tablets are contraindicated in patients with previous hypersensitivity reaction to lamivudine. ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.