Epivir Hbv
Indicated for chronic hepatitis b to support viral suppression and hepatocyte health.
- Categories
- HIV Management · Antivirals
- Active ingredient
- Lamivudine
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 100mg
Epivir Hbv details
- Condition
- Chronic Hepatitis B
- Alternative names
- Zeffix
- Therapeutic class
- Antiviral; Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
- Pharmacological class
- Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to lamivudine
- Minor side effects
- nausea; headache; malaise; fatigue
- Moderate side effects
- elevated liver enzymes; upper respiratory tract infection
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- ViiV Healthcare
- Onset Time
- several weeks
- Duration
- long-term maintenance
- Storage instructions
- Store at ambient temperatures, avoid excessive heat.
- Drug interactions
- trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; zalcitabine
- Age restrictions
- Dosage adjusted based on age and weight for paediatric patients.
Precautions and warnings
monitor for lactic acidosis; regular monitoring of liver function; do not discontinue abruptly
Serious side effects
lactic acidosis, requires immediate medical attention; pancreatitis, requires immediate medical attention; hepatomegaly, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
indicated for chronic hepatitis b to support viral suppression and hepatocyte health.
Mechanism of action
Lamivudine is a nucleoside analogue that inhibits the reverse transcriptase of the hepatitis B virus. It is incorporated into viral DNA, causing chain termination and thus halting the replication of the virus.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed. Breastfeeding: Advise mothers to discontinue breastfeeding while on therapy.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Epivir Hbv
Epivir Hbv contains the active ingredient lamivudine and is used for the management of chronic hepatitis B. This medicine is also sold as Zeffix, provided by ViiV Healthcare. It is available as a tablet in the 100mg strength.
Epivir Hbv availability in Asia
Epivir Hbv is registered across 14 markets including Japan, the UAE and Singapore, with availability also in Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia. For expats living across Asia far from a reliable pharmacy, generic lamivudine (much of it made in India) offers a more affordable alternative to the original brand. This medication is best used under the ongoing guidance of a doctor.