Epivir
Developed to manage hiv infection and chronic hepatitis b to support long-term viral suppression.
- Categories
- HIV Management · Antivirals
- Active ingredient
- Lamivudine
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 150mg
You will receive a quality generic equivalent, depending on stock.
Prescription rules on Epivir vary by country.
Epivir details
- Conditions
- HIV Infection · Chronic Hepatitis B
- Alternative names
- Epivir Hbv; Zeffix
- Therapeutic class
- Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)
- Pharmacological class
- Nucleoside analogue
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to lamivudine
- Minor side effects
- headache; nausea; fatigue
- Moderate side effects
- elevated liver enzymes; peripheral neuropathy
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Originator
- ViiV Healthcare
- Onset Time
- 0.5–2 hours
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store at room temperature.
- Drug interactions
- trimethoprim; emtricitabine
- Age restrictions
- Dosage adjusted for children.
Precautions and warnings
regular blood monitoring recommended; inform your doctor if you experience liver issues
Serious side effects
lactic acidosis, requires immediate medical attention; severe hepatomegaly, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Developed to manage hiv infection and chronic hepatitis b to support long-term viral suppression.
Mechanism of action
Lamivudine is a nucleoside analogue that inhibits human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase and hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase. It acts as a chain terminator, preventing successful viral DNA synthesis.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Use as directed by an HIV specialist. Breastfeeding: HIV-positive mothers should generally avoid breastfeeding.
What you will receive
Epivir is the originator brand name, made by ViiV Healthcare. We use it here to identify the medicine only; we are not affiliated with ViiV Healthcare and do not ship the original Epivir.
- You receive a generic equivalent: the same active ingredient (Lamivudine) at the same dose, mostly recognised Indian branded generics from vetted manufacturers.
- The exact brand supplied depends on what is in stock at the dispatching warehouse.
- A regulated generic matches the original ingredient for ingredient by legal standard.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Epivir
Epivir contains Lamivudine, an agent used for the management of HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B. This active ingredient is also distributed under brand names such as Epivir Hbv and Zeffix. These are supplied as tablet forms in 150mg strengths for patients requiring consistent therapeutic support.
Epivir availability in Asia
Epivir is registered across 14 markets including South Korea, Japan and the UAE, with availability also in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. Generic Lamivudine, much of it made in India, offers a more affordable alternative to the original brand, improving accessibility for expats and those living far from a well-stocked pharmacy. This medication is best used as part of a treatment plan overseen by a doctor.