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Home > Drug Category > AIDS Medications, HIV Treatments > Heptovir and Equivalent

Heptovir Information

Heptovir (Lamivudine) is used to treat people with chronic hepatitis B infection and evidence of hepatitis B virus replication (reproduction). Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It presents symptoms such as dark-colored urine, light or clay-colored stools, appetite loss, abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. High levels of HBV DNA signify significant viral replication in the liver, the primary site of the hepatitis B infection. There is no cure for hepatitis B infection. Medication can only slow down the reproduction of the virus. Antivirals like Lamivudine work by decreasing the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body and may reduce the damage done to the liver by the virus.

Heptovir Side Effects

The most common side effects of Heptovir may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, rash, and sleeping difficulties. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of lactic acidosis, such as weakness, muscle pain, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat;
• Signs of liver problems, such as abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and eyes;
• Worsening symptoms

Heptovir Precautions

Do not use Heptovir if you are allergic to Lamivudine or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have a history of pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney problems, lactic acidosis, liver disease, pancreatitis, untreated HIV, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Heptovir and other medications, such as cladribine, orlistat, trimethoprim, etc. Do not use Heptovir if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is unknown if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug in pregnancy with your doctor. Do not use Heptovir while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. Lamivudine passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. The safety and effectiveness of Heptovir in children younger than 16 years old have not been established.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Heptovir comes as tablets. Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. You may take Heptovir with or without food. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen the hepatitis B infection. You may undergo regular blood tests to monitor liver function and the effectiveness of the medication. It is unknown if treatment with Lamivudine will reduce the risk of passing the hepatitis B infection to other people through sexual intercourse. Use condoms during sexual intercourse while taking this medication to prevent passing the infection. Store Heptovir at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Heptovir?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Heptovir.